Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period has arrived, with many beneficiaries asking questions or seeking advice from friends and family. While it may provide some guidance, plans are individualized and should be treated as a plan for just you.
That may be hard to do with overwhelming options, but Montgomery County residents can depend upon RSVP’s state-trained PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight) counselors to help.
PA MEDI provides free counseling support, either in-person or over the telephone, to help beneficiaries compare new plan costs to make informed choices about their best healthcare options. Volunteers have no affiliations with insurance companies, so they provide unbiased support.
Call RSVP’s PA MEDI Hotline at 610-834-1040, ext. 120
Does your current coverage support your needs next year? Now is the time to compare your options and make needed adjustments. During Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, today through Dec. 7, beneficiaries can join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or prescription drug coverage. Changes will be available with new coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2026.
Volunteer counselors are happy to help beneficiaries and their families in the community. Older adults may consult friends or family for help, but many find the same complexities daunting and confusing. The free service aims to eliminate confusion and present a practical solution to save money and time.
Free resource
PA MEDI is a free resource available to anyone, regardless of income.
“Older adults are hearing information from various sources about what’s best for them,” explained Douglas Keene, RSVP’s PA MEDI coordinator. “We offer free counseling that focuses on the beneficiaries’ individual needs, to propose the best solutions. Our dedicated volunteers have the tools and knowledge to help beneficiaries find their best options. They truly go above and beyond.”
PA MEDI counselors can also help determine if you may be eligible for any of Pennsylvania’s Medicare cost-saving programs like PACE, Extra Help and the Medicare Savings Programs. Counselors will not recommend policies, companies or insurance agents but will provide free, confidential and unbiased personalized assistance. Translation services are available upon request.
Changes you can make during Medicare’s Open Enrollment:
• Joining a new Medicare Advantage Plan or Part D prescription drug plan
• Switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
• Switching from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (with or without a Part D plan)
Be aware of Medicare scams
The Annual Open Enrollment Period puts Medicare in the spotlight, making beneficiaries a target for scammers. Take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of Medicare fraud or identity theft.
Here are a few tips to help”
• Medicare does not call you uninvited and ask you for personal or private information.
• Never give your Medicare card, Medicare number, Social Security card or Social Security number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it (like insurers acting on your behalf or people who work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
• Never Join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone unless you called Medicare.
• If someone asks you for your information, for money or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal details, hang up and call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or visit medicare.gov.
RSVP volunteer counselors provide year-round services at events, through phone consultations, and scheduled appointments. A list of public sessions can be viewed at https://www.rsvpmc.org/medicare-events.
Resources
• In Montgomery County, PA MEDI counselors offer free advice through RSVP at 610-834-1040, ext. 120, or at https://www.rsvpmc.org/medicare-help.
• In Delaware County, counselors are available through Senior Community Services at 484-494-3769.
• In Chester County, they are available through the Department of Aging at 610-344-5004.
• In Berks County, counselors are available through Berks Encore and can be contacted at 610-374-3195, ext. 209.
• Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, PA MEDI, based in local Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), is the known and trusted resource available to answer Medicare questions and help older adults compare Medigap, Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
• A great resource to explore is www.Medicare.gov. Here, you can create or view your own account, store medical records, check or compare drug costs, find out which procedures are covered, find and research medical providers in your area and much more. Medicare can also be reached by calling 800-Medicare.