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Tuesday, December 24, 2024

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Bill Clinton is hospitalized for observation and testing after developing a fever; Biden commutes most federal death sentences before Trump takes office; Proposed post office 'slowdown' threatens rural Americans; Report: Tax credits shrink poverty for NM kids, families; Tiny plastic pieces enter the body in ways you'd never think of.

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Biden commutes the sentences of most federal death row inmates, the House Ethics Committee says former Rep. Gaetz may have committed statutory rape, and the national archivist won't certify the ERA without congressional approval.

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Rural folks could soon be shut out of loans for natural disasters if Project 2025 has its way, Taos, New Mexico weighs options for its housing shortage, and the top states providing America's Christmas trees revealed.

Advocates: Alaskans should review health plans during open enrollment

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Thursday, October 24, 2024   

With open enrollment season underway, advocates are reminding Alaskans to consider their options before the window closes. Medicare's open enrollment period began Oct. 15 and is ongoing until Dec. 7. Alaskans with employer-sponsored plans are also entering their enrollment season.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer for UnitedHealthcare, said plans change from year to year and it's important to review your coverages.

"So, you want to consider are your current benefit plans still meeting your healthcare needs and your budget needs, and has anything changed with your plan? For example, is your doctor still in the plan? Is the medication you take still covered by the plan?" she asked.

Open enrollment for plans under the Affordable Care Act will begin Nov. 1.

Original Medicare, Parts A and B, include hospital and medical insurance. Medicare Advantage also known as Part C, offers plans that often include additional coverages for dental, vision, and hearing. Drug coverage plans are also available under Part D.

The plan finder at Medicare.gov enables enrollees to explore a variety of plans and includes a star rating based on consumers' experiences with different aspects of each; with reviews of things like chronic care management, wait times for appeals, and overall customer service. Randall said some Advantage plans offer unique coverages.

"Look into wellness programs too. You might find a health plan that will reward you for taking healthy actions like completing a health survey, exercising, avoiding smoking, and many Medicare Advantage plans are going to cover a gym membership at no additional cost to you," she continued.

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. Help navigating Medicare plans is available by phone from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

More information is online at health.Alaska.gov under Medicare.

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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