Manning Regional Healthcare Center reminds Medicare beneficiaries to review their Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Advantage Plan options during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs until December 7, as Medicare is undergoing significant changes in 2025.
MRHC will host a special Medicare Part D enrollment event on Friday, November 22nd to help area residents compare and answer questions regarding Medicare Part D plans offered for 2025.
“The coverage and cost of Medicare plans tend to change each year,” said Amy McLaughlin, CPA, Chief Financial Officer at MRHC. “Meeting with MRHC staff and volunteers can help people understand the Medicare options better and potentially save them money as a result.”
MRHC staff will be available on the 22nd to provide free, unbiased, and confidential assistance. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (712) 655-2072. Participants should plan for 45 minutes and bring a listing of all recent medications and current or old Medicare cards.
During the open enrollment period, MRHC reminds residents to do three important things:
- Read notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year – especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Review your plan’s information to make sure the prescriptions you use are still covered, and your medical providers and pharmacy are still in network.
- Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Does your current plan best meet your needs?
- Shop for the plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Compare plans even if you’ve been satisfied with your current plan. The coverage and costs for plans can change from year to year.
If you are new to Medicare, MRHC is hosting a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on Tuesday, November 26th from 7-9 pm. Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by November 18th to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.
This seminar, offered by the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), a free and confidential service, will cover Medicare Parts A & B benefits, Prescription Drug Benefits (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare supplement insurance, as well as tips to help individuals identify Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. The seminar aims to help prepare individuals for Medicare open enrollment and provide attendees with valuable information about the upcoming Medicare changes, including:
- A cap on out-of-pocket drug spending: Starting in 2025, Medicare beneficiaries with Part D coverage will have an annual out-of-pocket drug spending cap of $2,000, a significant reduction from the previous limit.
- The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: This optional program allows beneficiaries to spread out the costs of their prescription drugs over the year.
- Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low Income Subsidy program. These can help reduce prescription costs for eligible individuals.
If you are unable to attend either event, MRHC’s volunteer SHIIP Counselor, Nancy Danner, is available every Wednesday at MRHC to meet with individuals. She can provide information to aid in Medicare decision-making and answer questions related to Medicare itself, benefits, plan options, claims, and how to avoid Medicare fraud. She will not provide recommendations for plans or agents but can answer questions and provide impartial information to help individuals make educated decisions and assist people with a limited income.
To schedule an appointment with Danner, please email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call 712-655-2072. If a client only wishes to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number and Danner will return their call.
If you are unable to attend on September 24th, an additional Medicare seminar will be held at MRHC on November 26th. MRHC’s volunteer 
