ODI/OSHIIP Medicare News

Ohio Department of Insurance sent this bulletin at 10/31/2023 10:30 AM EDT

October 2023

OSHIIP Director Chris Reeg Testifies Before U.S. Senate About Deceptive Practices Targeting Ohioans on Medicare

Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) Director Chris Reeg testified before the United States Senate Finance Committee in Washington, D.C. on the topic of “Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment: Cracking Down on Deceptive Practices and Improving Senior Experiences."

Reeg, in her 26th year with OSHIIP, said that Medicare consumers are overwhelmed with plan options and marketing, and that they would benefit from stronger consumer protections. She suggested several solutions.

Don’t Get Scammed! Ohioans on Medicare Urged to Protect Against Scams During Open Enrollment

Ohioans on Medicare are urged to protect themselves against scams to take their personal information during Medicare's Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 open enrollment period to select coverage for 2024.

With the barrage of plan options and marketing pitches, it can be difficult to discern if something is legitimate or fraudulent. Ohioans on Medicare should be wary of any Medicare communication seeking personal information or money in exchange for help with Medicare enrollment or services.

Free and Unbiased Medicare Open Enrollment Plan Comparison Help is Available

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is providing free and unbiased Medicare insight, plan comparison, and enrollment assistance during Medicare's Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 open enrollment period for Ohioans to select coverage for 2024.

OSHIIP is conducting virtual and on-site Medicare Checkup events in communities across the state. Participants will learn Medicare fundamentals, what's new, how to compare plans, prescription drug coverage options, and ways to save money.

Understanding Medicare Part D and Extra Help

Part D is Medicare’s comprehensive prescription drug coverage benefit and is
available to anyone eligible for Medicare Part A or Part B. People with Medicare
may enroll in Part D coverage through either a stand-alone plan or a Medicare
Advantage plan. People on Medicare who choose not to enroll and have no
other drug coverage may pay more for late enrollment.

Extra Help is a Medicare program that helps people with limited income and resources pay Medicare prescription drug costs. A person may qualify for Extra Help, also called low-income subsidy (LIS), if their annual income and total resources are below certain limits.

Get more information here.

picture of doctor showing senior patient information

COVID-19 Vaccination and Medicare Coverage

Updated COVID-19 vaccine shots for the fall are now available. Medicare covers the updated (2023–2024 formula) Moderna or Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Ohioans on Medicare pay nothing for the COVID-19 vaccine. There will be no deductible or copayment, and providers are not allowed to charge an administration fee to give the shot.

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Ohioans who are experiencing a mental health or
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Consumer Services 800-686-1526
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