MAHOPAC- Dozens of “seasoned” citizens flocked to the Mahopac Library to learn about the latest updated Medicare regulations about accessing benefits, thanks to the efforts of the nonprofit Medicare Rights Center and State Senator Peter Harckham.
Putnam County has 21,500 Medicare beneficiaries, with about 1,400 residents becoming eligible for Medicare each year. For many older adults and those approaching retirement, navigating the healthcare system, and understanding the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage can be challenging.
Harckham, who represents constituents in Putnam, northern Westchester and Rockland counties explained that there have been “significant changes to Medicare recently and changes in coverage by private insurance companies.”
Medicare Rights Center President Frederic Riccardi told the gathering: “With Medicare Open Enrollment beginning October 15, it’s more important than ever for people to review their options and learn about programs that can help lower their health care and prescription drug costs.”
Residents learned the difference between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plan, what the lettered parts mean Part A – Inpatient/hospital coverage, Part B – Outpatient/medical coverage, Part C– Medicare Advantage and Part D – Prescription drug assistance, while having questions answered about their specific issues.
A recently released study found that plan changes will require approximately three million Medicare Advantage enrollers to secure new coverage.
Locally, Fidelis Care, Cigna / HealthSpring, Ambetter, and Aetna altered network terms or dropped coverage with providers Northwell Health and Optum.
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