Medicare Annual Enrollment Starts Today for Older Pennsylvanians

Event to Offer Information on Free Insurance Counseling for Medicare Beneficiaries

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke today reminded older Pennsylvanians that the Medicare annual enrollment period begins today, Tuesday, Oct. 15, and continues through Saturday, Dec. 7.

Duke made the announcement today in the state Capitol along with Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Bucks), Majority Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, and Rep. Tim Hennessey (R-Chester), Majority Chair of the House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee.

"It is important that Medicare enrollees take this time to evaluate their health coverage," Duke said. "Understanding choices can be complex and many individuals need assistance with reviewing options that are available to them based on their individual needs. The APPRISE program provides trained volunteer counselors who are available to help."

APPRISE is a free health insurance counseling program designed to assist older Pennsylvanians with answers to questions about Medicare. They provide objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and long-term care insurance. Pennsylvania has nearly 600 trained APPRISE volunteers.

APPRISE volunteers work through local Area Agencies on Aging to address questions and concerns of older adults. Most Area Agencies on Aging offer enrollment events where older adults can receive guidance on Medicare health and prescription plans.

To find an enrollment event near you visit www.aging.state.pa.us or contact APPRISE, toll-free, at 1-800-783-7067.

Consumers can also complete their own plan comparisons by assessing the plan finder tool on the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan.

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1550

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging