The Medicare Open Enrollment period began on October 15th and will remain open until December 7th. During the open enrollment period, Medicare recipients are able to make changes to their Medicare coverage. This may include enrolling in Medicare Advantage plan, enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan, or switching back to original Medicare from Medicare Advantage. Changes made during the open enrollment period will take effect on January 1, 2022.
Medicare plans may make changes from year to year. It is important to review your current health and drug coverage to make sure your plan is still right for you. The Plan Finder at Medicare.gov allows you to do a side-by-side comparison of plan coverage, costs, and quality ratings to show the differences between available plans. When you enroll in a new plan, you will be automatically disenrolled from your old plan. If you are happy with your current coverage, there is no need to do anything during Open Enrollment.
Pennsylvanians are able to access free Medicare counseling through the Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) program, previously called APPRISE. PA MEDI counselors are able to answer questions about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance. PA MEDI counselors can also educate Medicare beneficiaries about financial assistance programs that may be available to help pay for Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and prescription drug costs.
The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) contracts with two community-based organizations, the Center for Advocacy for the Rights and Interests of the Elderly (CARIE) and Einstein Medical Center, to deliver the PA MEDI counseling. Medicare-eligible individuals can schedule an appointment by calling:
- CARIE: 215-545-5728 (South, West and North Central Philadelphia)
- Einstein Medical Center: 215-456-7600 (Northeast and Northwest Philadelphia)
- Statewide PA MEDI Helpline: 1-800-783-7067 (Pennsylvania residents, outside of Philadelphia)