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Friday, December 13, 2024

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Dry-cleaning workers better protected under EPA chemical ban; Homeland Security shares new details of mysterious drone flights over New Jersey; New law seeks to change how state legislature vacancies are filled; MN joins the carbon capture pipeline wave with permit approval.

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Biden carries out the largest ever single-day act of clemency, voting rights advocates raise alarm over Trump's pick to lead Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and election denier Kari Lake is tapped to lead Voice of America.

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Conservative voters surprised pundits by casting election votes for Trump but also against school vouchers, Pennsylvania's Black mayors work to unite their communities, and America's mental health providers try new techniques.

Patients shop around as Medicare open enrollment gets underway

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Monday, October 28, 2024   

One million, six hundred and fifty thousand New Jerseyites on Medicare - almost 18% of the state - have a big decision to make, because the Medicare open-enrollment period runs now through December 7.

People can go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800 Medicare.

Dr. Rhonda Randall - chief medical officer with UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual - said a lot can change in a year, and recommends people do their homework, so there are no surprises come January.

"You want to consider - are your current benefit plans still meeting your health-care needs and your budget needs, and has anything changed with your plan?" said Randall. "For example, is your doctor still in the plan? Is the medication you take still covered by the plan?"

Experts say it's important to compare the plans' copays and deductibles and not just the monthly premiums.

Websites like JustPlainClear.com explain the jargon and explain the differences between Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.

Advantage plans tend to offer more comprehensive specialty benefits for dental, vision and hearing.

Randall said people should also consider their behavioral-health needs.

"I also recommend people to check for mental-health coverage," said Randall. "Some plans are going to offer things like virtual mental health care, sometimes at no co-pay or $0 copay."

Starting in January, the Biden administration's new out-of-pocket maximum goes into effect - so everyone using the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit will have their costs capped at $2,000 per year.



Disclosure: UnitedHealthcare contributes to our fund for reporting on Health Issues. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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