PHOENIXVILLE – Today, Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA) held a roundtable discussion with members of the Phoenixville Area Senior Center (PASC) and Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) to answer Medicare questions and continue her efforts encouraging area seniors to take advantage of the open enrollment period ending tomorrow, December 7. As of July 2020, there were 2,769,667 Pennsylvania residents enrolled in Medicare.

“When I’m out and about in our community, I continue to hear from Pennsylvanians worried about health care,” said Houlahan. “Especially given public health concerns with covid, affordable coverage is more important than ever. I’m thankful for the chance to highlight the Medicare open enrollment with PASC and state officials. They are both a tremendous resource not only for our seniors but also for those who care for our seniors. Ahead of the December 7 deadline, I want our community members to know there are free resources and counseling available to help them navigate this process.”

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging’s website, PA MEDI offers free Medicare counseling to older Pennsylvanians. These certified counselors are trained to answer questions and provide objective, easy-to-understand information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care Insurance.

“Here at the senior center, we know just how important Medicare open enrollment is,” said Julie Gaudan, Executive Director of Phoenixville Area Senior Center (PASC). “The purpose of today’s conversation was to ensure our entire community understands this too. Health care coverage is absolutely vital, and we want seniors and their families to know that resources are out there to assist them. While the deadline for this year’s open enrollment has nearly passed, next year’s opportunity will be here in no time. For any Pennsylvanians who missed this window, we invite you to reach out in the meantime for assistance fully understanding the options available to you and help gain peace of mind.”

The Open Enrollment period for Medicare began October 15 and runs through Tuesday December 7, 2021. Any new coverage selected or changes to existing benefits takes effect January 1, 2022. The next Medicare open enrollment period begins October 15, 2022.

To learn more, visit Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact our Pennsylvania State Health Insurance Assistance Programs here.

Houlahan is an Air Force veteran, an engineer, a serial entrepreneur, an educator and a nonprofit leader. She represents Pennsylvania’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Chester County and southern Berks County. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Small Business Committee. She is the recipient of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Abraham Lincoln Leadership for America Award which “recognizes members who demonstrate the bipartisan leadership and constructive governing necessary to move our country forward.”   

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