Adjusting to cooler temperatures is not the only thing on the horizon for older adults in the community. Many rely on Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, to make necessary adjustments regarding coverages and medication plans. Though this time can present overwhelming decisions and options, Montgomery County residents can depend upon RSVP’s state-trained PA MEDI (​Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight) counselors. 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. Does your current coverage support your needs next year? Now is the time to compare your options and decide on needed adjustments. PA MEDI has helped many across the county understand which plans work best for each situation. Counselors recently worked with a 72-year-old Lansdale resident, who relied heavily on Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to fit in her fixed income budget. Blindsided by a sharp increase in her premium, she felt lost and worried. After meeting with RSVP’s volunteer counselor who helped her research alternatives, the beneficiary found a plan that offered lower premiums and better coverage for her prescriptions. 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. Pat H. has been a volunteer with PA MEDI for almost three years. She enjoys being able to connect with others her age and helping with their concerns when it comes to Medicare. “The entire process can be overwhelming, so I enjoy putting people at ease,” she said. “Folks appreciate being told it is not them, and that they are not alone. “Our volunteer counselors are knowledgeable and patient advisors, who are not connected to any insurance company. We can meet individuals face-to-face or over the telephone to understand thought processes and needs. We can also accommodate visual or hearing problems.” Free resource PA MEDI is a free resource available to anyone, regardless of income. “There is a lot of information out there for beneficiaries to research, but it can be very confusing,” explained Douglas Keene, RSVP’s PA MEDI coordinator. “Our counselors are state-trained and have tools that can help simplify the process and uncover other options. Our volunteers are very dedicated. “Through PA MEDI, we offer free counseling that focuses on the beneficiaries’ individual needs, to propose the best solutions. Translation services are available upon request.” During this time, beneficiaries can join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or prescription drug coverage. Changes will be available with new coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2025. 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. 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: • Never give your Medicare number or other personal information to an unexpected caller or someone who makes an unsolicited request for it. • Be suspicious of anyone who calls and claims to be able to help you sign up for coverage but needs to confirm your Medicare number. • The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services will never call and ask for Medicare numbers. • Ignore calls saying that you must join a prescription drug plan, or you will lose your Medicare coverage. 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. • And in Chester County, they are available through the Department of Aging at 610-344-5004. • 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 1-800-Medicare.