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Thursday, December 26, 2024

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Advocates urge broader clemency despite Biden's death row commutes; Bald eagle officially becomes national bird, a conservation success; Hispanic pastors across TX, U.S. wanted for leadership network; When bycatch is on the menu.

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The authors of Project 2025 say they'll carry out a hard-right agenda, voting rights advocates raise alarm over Trump's pick to lead the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division, and conservatives aim to cut federal funding for public broadcasting.

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From the unprecedented election season to the latest environmental news, the Yonder Report looks back at stories that topped our weekly 2024 newscasts.

Georgians choose insurance benefits during open enrollment period

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Monday, October 28, 2024   

The open enrollment period for Medicare and other health care plans is underway and Georgians are making their selections for insurance coverage for the next 12 months.

Anyone already enrolled in Medicare has an opportunity to make changes to coverage and anyone 65 or older can sign up if they're not already covered.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer and executive vice president of UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, suggested starting early and reviewing all options thoroughly.

"You want to consider are your current benefit plans still meeting your health care needs and your budget needs and has anything changed with your plan," Randall explained. "For example, is your doctor still in the plan? Is the medication you take still covered?"

For Medicare beneficiaries, the open enrollment window runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Randall added enrollment for health insurance through the marketplace or state exchanges opens Nov. 1 and closes Jan 15.

Georgia is also launching a new program this month called Georgia Access, which aims to simplify the process of finding affordable health insurance. The program connects residents to various plans and resources to expand coverage options.

Randall emphasized it is important when you look for your plan to know the difference between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.

"Things like dental, vision and hearing," Randall outlined. "Many Medicare beneficiaries might be surprised to know that original Medicare doesn't cover most of those things but many Medicare Advantage plans do. "

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.

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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