Lancaster County Office of Aging operates a program called PA MEDI, formerly APPRISE. There are 52 PA Medi offices all over Pennsylvania. This group assists older adults with Medicare and health insurance questions all year round.

Each fall, volunteer counselors from PA MEDI will meet individually with beneficiaries who already have Medicare to review their Medicare plans. Some insurance companies make policy changes in fall and/or increase their yearly cost, making it worthwhile to review Medicare plans whether the plan stays the same or not.

During open enrollment, individuals can switch Advantage Plans and those who have original Medicare can switch their Part D prescription plan at this time. Changes made would be effective Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023.

Appointments are done confidentially and in an unbiased manner. The service is free of charge, and appointments take about one hour per person.

PA MEDI will accept calls in September to set up appointments. Twelve sites will be available all over Lancaster County. When calling, individuals can ask for a location close to their home. Appointments will also be available at Lancaster County Office of Aging, 150 N. Queen St., Suite 415, Lancaster.

To set up a Medicare review with PA MEDI counselors, call 717-299-7979 in September to make an appointment.