Medicare open enrollment period open through Dec. 7
Harrisburg, Pa. — Pennsylvanians ages 65 and over or those with qualifying disabilities or illnesses can participate in the Medicare open enrollment period starting Oct. 15. The enrollment period will close on Dec. 7, and any new coverage or changes to existing benefits will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025.
During open enrollment, new Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and health plans to complement Medicare, and current Medicare beneficiaries can review and join, switch, or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Coverage so that it better meets their needs.
To help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options, the Pa. Department of Aging offers free, objective health benefits counseling through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, also known as PA MEDI. Available at Pennsylvania's 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), PA MEDI counselors can assist Medicare beneficiaries with plan comparisons, help with enrollment in a new plan, and evaluate eligibility for any of Pennsylvania's Medicare cost-savings programs.
Changes to Medicare in 2025 include a new $2,000 out of pocket cap for prescription drugs, the elimination of the "donut hole" coverage gap for prescription drugs, an optional payment plan to spread out drug costs, and Medicare Part B will now cover Pre-exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention without co-pays or deductibles.
"If an older adult hasn't reviewed their Medicare plan in recent years, now may be the time to check in," said Susan Neff, PA MEDI director. "PA MEDI can help older adults compare all aspects of Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans by looking at overall costs, provider networks, supplemental benefits, prior authorization requirements, and drug formularies."
PA MEDI counselors do not sell insurance products, nor do they endorse or recommend any insurance company, product, or agent. PA MEDI counselors can help determine if an older adult may be eligible for any of Pennsylvania's Medicare cost-savings programs like PACE/PACENET, Extra Help, and the Medicare Savings Programs.
Individuals can learn more about PA MEDI, events and programs, or becoming a volunteer on the Department of Aging's website or by calling the PA MEDI Helpline at 1-800-783-7067, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Older adults can also call their local AAA.
