Pennsylvania Department of Aging: Medicare Annual Enrollment Opens Earlier This Year

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke is reminding older Pennsylvanians that Medicare annual enrollment will start earlier this year, running from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

"The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid has moved up the annual enrollment dates this year to help them to process plan choices and ensure recipients' coverage will begin without interruption on Jan. 1," Duke said. "Medicare enrollees have a lot of choices available to them, so we hope they will consult our APPRISE program for help in making the decision that best fits their individual needs."

APPRISE-trained volunteers work through the local Area Agencies on Aging to address questions and concerns of older adults. They also provide clear and concise information in choosing the right Medicare health and/or prescription plan. Contact APPRISE, toll-free, at 1-800-783-7067.

To find an enrollment event near you, visit the Department of Aging online at www.aging.state.pa.us.

Consumers can also complete their own plan comparisons by using the plan finder tool on the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan.

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1549

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging