Thompson: Medicare Open Enrollment is here. Make sure you’re getting the coverage you deserve
One of the most important duties as a member of Congress is helping my constituents on an individual basis. Our 15th Congressional District is the second largest by area in the commonwealth, and we have a team of caseworkers who offer unparalleled access to constituent services.
Friday marks the start of Medicare Open Enrollment, the annual period where seniors can enroll in or make changes to coverage – whether that’s original Medicare with supplemental drug coverage, or Medicare Advantage. Folks can make changes or purchase new policies, but only during this window, which ends on Dec. 7.
Most Americans become eligible for Medicare when they turn 65. For many individuals, determining the best plan for them can be confusing or even intimidating. That’s why at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 26 I will host a telephone townhall with a representative from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to answer questions seniors in the 15th District may have about Open Enrollment. Individuals can register for the telephone townhall by calling our Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-5121, or visiting our website or social media pages for information.
Medicare was created in 1965 to provide health coverage for Americans age 65 and older. In 1972, it was expanded to include younger Americans who have permanent disabilities. Today, more than 63 million Americans are currently covered by Medicare, which is divided into four parts:
Original Medicare: This includes Part A and Part B.
Part A is hospital insurance and provides coverage for inpatient care at hospitals nationwide, skilled nursing facilities, hospice and home health care.
Part B is medical insurance and provides coverage for services from doctors and other health care providers nationwide, outpatient care, home health care, preventive care like screenings – shots and wellness visits – and medical equipment such as wheelchairs, walkers, and hospital beds.
Part D: This helps cover the cost of prescription drugs. Individuals join a Medicare drug plan in addition to Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage: This is also known as Part C and is a plan offered from a private company as an alternative to Original Medicare for health and drug coverage. A “bundled” plan like this includes Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Coverage is generally limited to doctors who are in the plan’s network rather than the nationwide access that Original Medicare offers. Some plans may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover like vision, hearing, and dental services.
In Congress, I’m working across the aisle to secure Medicare reimbursements for telehealth services rendered at community health centers and health clinics across the district. Meaning, once enacted, seniors can have access to critical health care services regardless of where they live.
I urge anyone who has questions about choosing the right Medicare plan to join the telephone townhall on Tuesday, Oct. 26. If you are unable to join, you can always reach out to my offices in Bellefonte, Ebensburg, and Oil City for assistance, or contact the local Area Agency on Aging. To find the agency closest to you, visit www.aging.pa.gov/local-resources, or call 1-800-753-8827.
Seniors should take advantage of these resources during Medicare Open Enrollment to review their current plans or make any necessary changes for the coming year. Let’s make sure our seniors are getting health care that puts them first, and now is the time to do it.
This story was originally published October 15, 2021 at 5:00 AM.