Enrollment period begins Oct. 15

MEDICARE

Medicare open enrollment begins Oct. 15. People aged 65 and older will have until Dec. 7 to review their plan options and select their coverage for 2025.

For the majority of people, this is the only time of year that anyone with Medicare coverage can make changes to their plan options.

People who are enrolling in Medicare for the first time can apply by phone or in person at a Social Security office. Some people are automatically enrolled when they become eligible at age 65.

Those who want more assistance can consult with a Medicare agent, who can assist in determining which plan options are best suited for an individual’s unique needs.

Changes are coming in 2025. People can preview plan

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options, including health and drug plans, at www.Medicare. gov.

This year’s changes include:

1. Lowered prescription drug costs: Because of President Joe Biden’s new prescription drug law, in 2025, yearly out-of-pocket drug costs will be capped at $2,000. People who have Medicare drug coverage (Part D) and drug costs that are high enough to reach this cap will not have to pay a copayment or coinsurance for Part D drugs for the rest of the calendar year. Starting in 2025, they’ll also have the option of spreading their drug costs across monthly payments throughout the year.

2. Expanded mental health care: Medicare covers expanded mental health care, like intensive outpatient program services in certain locations and services from marriage and family therapists and mental health counselors. During “wellness” visits, healthcare providers can also use a health risk assessment to better understand a patient’s social needs and refer them for appropriate services.

3. More resources for caregivers: Medicare covers additional caregiver support, like training that helps caregivers better care for individuals and relief when they’re caring for family members in hospice. Some people living with dementia and their caregivers may be able to get more support though a new pilot program.

4. New benefits program for U.S. Postal Service workers and retirees: Starting Jan. 1, 2025, U.S. Postal Service employees, retirees and their families will get coverage through a new benefits program instead of through the Federal Employee Health Benefits program.

5. Changes to telehealth coverage: People can get telehealth services at any location in the U.S., including at home, through Dec. 31, 2024. After this period, Medicare patients must be located in a rural area for most telehealth services. However, people can still get certain telehealth services (like for mental and behavioral health) in their home no matter where they live.

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• A new diagnosis, which could mean more doctor visits or new medications.

• An advancing illness may increase the number or length of hospital stays, or require home care.

• Additional medications may be needed to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, arthritis or heart disease.

• Whether a planned surgery is coming up.