- Details
Medicare Annual open enrollment begins Oct. 15, and Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, PA MEDI, is available to help Medicare beneficiaries explore and understand their health insurance plan options.
PA MEDI is Pennsylvania’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). PA MEDI, housed in the 52 local Area Agencies on Aging, provides unbiased education and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers to assist them in making informed health insurance decisions that optimize cost savings and access to healthcare and benefits.
During the open enrollment period, which runs through Dec. 7, beneficiaries can join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or prescription drug coverage.
“When comparing their insurance plan options, beneficiaries should consider their personal situation, the plans available in their area, and the overall costs, coverage, and convenience offered by plans and not just the advertised extra benefits and free offers,” said Susan Neff, PA MEDI director.
“We encourage beneficiaries to seek out PA MEDI, the known and trusted local resource for objective Medicare information.”
PA MEDI counselors do not sell Medicare insurance products, nor do they endorse any insurance company, product, or agent, Neff said.
“We will not recommend policies, companies, or insurance agents but will provide free, confidential, and unbiased personalized assistance during Medicare Annual open enrollment and year-round.”
Trained counselors are available year-round for counseling by phone, virtual, or in-person sessions at the York County Area Agency on Aging.
Call to join one of the monthly PA MEDI virtual workshops at (717) 771-9008 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Individual appointments are also available to those who are already receiving Medicare benefits.
PA MEDI counselors can assist with plan comparisons, help enroll in a new plan, and help determine eligibility for any of Pennsylvania’s Medicare cost-savings programs like PACE, Extra Help, and Medicare Savings Program.
For any changes made, new coverage will start Jan. 1, 2023. Beneficiaries can also visit Medicare.gov or call (800) MEDICARE to compare plans.
To find a PA MEDI event for open enrollment, call (717) 771-9042. The toll-free PA MEDI Helpline is (800) 783-7067 and operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. All services are free and confidential.