News from Marion Price Trust Fund
Medicare open enrollment has begun! Enrollment to update and make changes to your 2025 Medicare plan is open until December 7, 2024. Changes are coming to Medicare in 2025, so it is a good time to review your coverage to be sure you have the coverage you need at the best cost. One of the big changes starting in 2025 will be a yearly $2,000 out-of-pocket cap for Medicare-covered prescriptions.
The PA MEDI program was created by the PA Department of Aging to help seniors understand Medicare and other health insurance benefits. Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services helps fund the PA MEDI program here in Schuylkill County. PA MEDI staff and volunteers operate locally through the office of Diakon Community Service, located at 2020 W. Norwegian Street in Pottsville. Dana Oravitz is the coordinator and she or volunteers can answer questions and provide information concerning Open Enrollment. I heard Dana speak at a recent meeting and she recommended that seniors take advantage of the PA Medi program, especially this year, because of the changes in Medicare benefits. PA MEDI counselors are trained to offer unbiased Medicare education to help seniors make the most informed choices about their options. Counselors do not sell Medicare products; they just give you the best options based on each individual’s needs and medications. If you are interested in an appointment I have listed the available locations.
Open enrollment sessions are held at the following locations between 9 AM and 3 PM:
*October 19 or 21, November 11 or 18, December 7th at the Diakon Office, 2020 W. Norwegian St Pottsville
*October 26 at Tremont Senior Center, 139 Clay Street in Tremont
*October 28 at the Mahanoy City Senior Center, 138 W. Centre Street in Mahanoy City
*October 29 at the Schuylkill Haven Senior Center, 340 Haven Street in Schuylkill Haven
*October 30 at Calvary Chapel Church, 1010 W. Maple Street in Valley View
*October 31 at Bethany E.C. Church, 13th and Market Streets in Ashland
*November 4 at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church Greenwood & Mauch Chunk Streets in Tamaqua
*November 13 at Faith Church, Route 61 South in Orwigsburg
SENIORS MAY REGISTER FOR AN APPOINTMENT or receive more information by calling Diakon’s PA MEDI program at (570) 624-3019. PLEASE CALL EARLY to ensure getting an appointment. Last year over 900 seniors were served by the program.
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SAVE THE DATE!!
Please help me spread the word that the annual Marion Price Trust Fund Christmas luncheon will be held on December 19, 2024, at Holy Apostles Church in St Clair. The Eucharist will begin at 11 AM followed by a luncheon, games, and social time. This year we will be playing the “GIVE AND TAKE GAME” which I understand is a lot of fun and similar to a white elephant game. Please contact me or Bonnie Baker for details on participating in this game. More information will follow closer to the date, but feel free to contact me in the office with any questions on this or if I may assist you in any way. I will do my best to find an answer, provide information, or help obtain needed services. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year!