Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment: PA MEDI’s essential role in guiding beneficiaries
October marks the beginning of Medicare open enrollment, during which state health insurance programs (SHIPs) nationwide help Medicare-eligible individuals to evaluate their coverage options for the upcoming year. Pennsylvania’s SHIP program, Pennsylvania Medicare and Decision Insight (PA MEDI), offers confidential, objective and easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug plans, Medicare Supplement plans and appeals. This information, provided by a team of trained health insurance counselors, enables Medicare beneficiaries to compare plans and costs to find the best fit for their needs.
The PA MEDI program provides free health insurance counseling services to anyone who qualifies for Medicare, regardless of age or income. Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA) offers PA MEDI services to Medicare beneficiaries in Philadelphia through partnerships with CARIE and Einstein Medical Center. This year, PCA expects to assist more than 1,000 Medicare-eligible residents during the annual open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. During this time, those eligible for Medicare can receive informed and personalized guidance based on a range of health and financial factors.
“Volunteer counselors are essential to the success of the PA MEDI program, greatly enhancing its capacity,” said Lynda Pickett, PCA’s assistant director of volunteer services. “Many volunteers find fulfillment in assisting beneficiaries as they transition to Medicare. They are a vital resource for Medicare beneficiaries, helping them navigate the various available options. Their dedication exemplifies how volunteer efforts can positively impact daily life.”
The program’s services are provided through Pennsylvania’s 52 Area Agencies on Aging by a network of trained counselors, many of whom are volunteers. Many PA MEDI counselors began as Medicare beneficiaries with questions or concerns about their coverage. After receiving assistance through PA MEDI, they wanted to share their knowledge to help others explore their options. PA MEDI counselors receive comprehensive training on Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage (an alternative to the original Medicare program, known as Part C), Medigap (Medicare supplemental insurance), Medicare prescription drug coverage, appeals, fraud and more.
“Medicare beneficiaries often find the available money-saving options confusing, and many might not learn about them without the PA MEDI program,” said Deena Pollock, a PA MEDI counselor at Einstein Medical Center. “By working individually and confidentially with beneficiaries, we can identify their health care preferences, which has allowed us to successfully meet the needs of many individuals. I’ve witnessed numerous cases where our comprehensive and personalized approach has saved Medicare beneficiaries hundreds of dollars each month.”
The program strives to meet beneficiaries’ needs with an impartial and personalized approach. PA MEDI counselors thoroughly assess each participant’s unique needs to recommend the most suitable options. This allows beneficiaries to easily review and compare their options; enroll in new plans; and determine eligibility for Medicare cost-savings programs, including PACE, Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Program.
Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in Philadelphia can schedule a free health insurance counseling session by calling the following PA MEDI providers: Einstein Medical Center at 215-456-7600, and CARIE at 215-545-5728.
If you are interested in becoming a PA MEDI volunteer in Philadelphia, contact Lynda Pickett, PCA’s assistant director of volunteer services, at 215-765-9000, ext. 5104.
