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Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal officially signed in Doha; Cabinet nominees push deregulation of America's food systems; Ohio Dems encourage community-focused people to run for office; in State of State address, GA Gov. Kemp proposes tax cuts, tort reform.

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Biden highlights the challenges faced reaching a Gaza ceasefire, progressives urge action on the Equal Rights Amendment, the future of TikTok remains up in the air, and plans for protests build ahead of Trump's inauguration.

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"We can't eat gold," warn opponents of a proposed Alaskan gold mine who say salmon will be decimated. Ahead of what could be mass deportations, immigrants get training about their rights. And a national coalition grants money to keep local news afloat.

Kansans can review care options during Medicare open enrollment

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Friday, October 25, 2024   

Advocates are encouraging Kansas seniors to review their health care needs during Medicare's open enrollment period, which is underway now through Dec. 7.

Many employer-sponsored plans are also in an open enrollment period.

Vicki Schmidt, Kansas insurance commissioner, said no matter what your coverage, it is essential to check for changes, as physicians and care facilities can come and go from a plan's network, year to year.

"They need to look at the networks and make sure that their networks are covered, their physicians are in-network," Schmidt outlined. "And the places they receive care at their local hospitals or at their preferred hospital, that those things are in-network."

Changes for 2025 include a Medicare Part D cap of $2,000 per year for out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, brought about as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. In 2023, more than 580,000 Kansans were enrolled in a Medicare plan.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said it is important to review your plan. Seniors can purchase a supplemental plan for things Medicare does not cover or can consider a Medicare Advantage plan offering other benefits not covered by the standard Medicare plan.

"Things like dental, vision and hearing," Randall outlined. "Many Medicare beneficiaries might be surprised to know that original Medicare doesn't cover most of those things, but many Medicare Advantage plans do. I also recommend people to check for mental health coverage."

Randall recommended websites such as JustPlainClear.com to clarify the differences between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Help is also available through the state's Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas at 800-860-5260.

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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