A free Medicare resource fair Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pasadena Senior Center, 85 E. Holly St., will help clarify health care plan options and upcoming changes for 2023 for Medicare, the federal health insurance program for adults 65 and older.
The annual nationwide open enrollment period for Medicare is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 and is the opportunity to join, switch or drop a Medicare plan or Medigap plan (supplemental insurance for medical costs not covered by Medicare). Any changes older adults make during the open enrollment period will go into effect Jan. 1, 2023. Participants also will have the option to make no changes and keep the plans they currently have. During the resource fair, health plan representatives will provide information and answer questions about Medicare plans and services as well as Medigap choices and help everyone understand their options for the coming year. There also will be a presentation about these options and upcoming changes for 2023, resource information and more. “Reassessing health care needs each year, as well as programs that can help keep costs down while maximizing benefits, is essential for aging well,” said Akila Gibbs, executive director of the Pasadena Senior Center. “Our free Medicare resource fair will equip people with clear information so they will have an understanding of everything that is available to them.” President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a landmark amendment to the Social Security Act in 1965 that gave life to the Medicare program and changed the landscape of health care in the U.S. Prior to 1965, fewer than half of all Americans 65 and older had health insurance, compared to 96 percent today. To register for the Medicare resource fair, visit www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org and click on Activities & Events, then Special Events or call 626-795-4331. In addition to online classes, onsite events and other activities, members and nonmembers of the Pasadena Senior Center are encouraged to visit the website regularly for a quarterly online magazine, free food delivery for older adults in need, COVID updates specifically for older adults and more. The center is an independent, donor-supported nonprofit organization that has served older adults for more than 60 years. During the pandemic, doors are open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for social services as well as the library, Sy Graff Fitness Center, computer lab and limited occupancy for events. Rooms are sanitized after each use. In accordance with Pasadena Public Health Department guidelines, proof of COVID vaccination is required for everyone who uses the fitness center or attends onsite activities indoors. Masks are optional. |
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