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Marco Rubio unveils massive State Dept. overhaul with reductions of staff and bureaus; Visas revoked, status changed for international students in TX; Alaska lawmakers work to improve in-school mental health care; Montana DEQ denies Big Hole River decision, cites law opposed by EPA; Indiana moves to regulate legal THC sales and branding.

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White House defends Secretary Hegseth amid media scrutiny, federal judges block efforts to dismantle U.S. international broadcasters, and major restructuring hits the State Department and rural programs.

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Schools in timber country face an uncertain future without Congress' reauthorization of a rural program, DOGE cuts threaten plant species needed for U.S. food security, and farmers will soon see federal dollars for energy projects unlocked.

Medicare Advantage changes hit Alabama amid open enrollment; experts offer tips

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Thursday, October 24, 2024   

Medicare Advantage, a private version of Medicare plans offering additional benefits such as dental and vision coverage, is becoming more uncertain this year.

More than 1 million Americans, including many in Alabama, will have to shop for new plans as insurance companies scale back offerings in certain states. Some officials are citing financial pressures and federal regulations for these changes, leaving seniors to navigate shifting coverage options.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer, UnitedHealthcare employer and individual, suggests starting early and reviewing all options thoroughly, especially if you're affected by these changes.

"For example, is your doctor still in the plan? Is the medication you take still covered by the plan? And also understanding the differences between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage," she said.

Randall added that resources are available such as the UHC Medicare Made Clear guide and the justplainclear.com website that can help guide people through explanations and health insurance terms.

Randall also pointed out that some employers are offering new health plans, such as UnitedHealthcare's SUREST Plan, to help people avoid unexpected healthcare costs.

"That provides consumers upfront cost and coverage information so they can understand how much they're likely to owe for medical service before you even walk into the doctor's office. And the goal with that is really to encourage people to select higher-value places to get their care," she continued.

As you explore your plan, Randall suggested evaluating additional benefits such as mental health coverage, hearing and wellness plans, which can offer more value beyond traditional coverage.

Meanwhile, open enrollment dates vary for other types of health plans. People with employer-sponsored coverage typically select a plan during a two-to-three week period between September and December. And open enrollment for plans on the Health Insurance Marketplace generally runs from November 1 to January 15 in most states. More information is available at www.UHCOpenEnrollment.com.

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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