Open Enrollment Brings Changes to the VT Medicare Advantage Market/Public News Service

Vermont seniors are encouraged to consider their health insurance options during the Medicare open enrollment period, which runs through Dec. 7.

Many insurers are discontinuing portions of their plans, while MVP Health Care and WellCare are exiting the Vermont Medicare Advantage market.

Department of Financial Regulation Commissioner Kevin Gaffney said those affected by the changes should consider their options carefully.

“A lot of times people look at what they’re using now,” Gaffney said, “but then you still have to try to anticipate what I might need in the future.”

Gaffney said people switching to a Medicare supplement will also need a Part D prescription drug plan, which includes a new $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket prescription drugs.

He said counselors are available through the Area Agencies on Aging or at medicare.gov.

Health and insurance terms can be confusing, and people choosing a Medicare plan are advised to start early and consider the specific benefits they need – such as dental, vision and hearing benefits.

Dr. Rhonda Randall is the Chief Medical Officer at UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual.

She said it’s important to consider what types of networks and restrictions fit a person’s budget and health needs.

“Is your doctor still scheduled?” Randall said. “Are the medications you take still covered by the plan? And also understand the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.”

Randall said when it comes to mental health services, it’s important to look for a wide range of options — including telemedicine and visits with licensed professionals.

She said some plans even offer virtual behavioral health care with no copay.

Get more stories like this by email

Research shows that menopause can affect heart health, and the American Heart Association in Missouri urges women to stay informed and take preventive measures during this stage of life.

Heart disease kills more women each year than breast cancer. The transition from the reproductive to non-reproductive phase usually begins in the late 40s to mid-50s and involves changes in menstruation.

Before menopause, women produce estrogen, a hormone that can help protect the heart. When women reach menopause, their ovaries produce less estrogen.

The cardiologist Dr. Mozow Zuidema of Boone Hospital in Columbia shared some of the symptoms to look out for.

“Mood changes, sleep changes, sometimes central weight gain, with their body gaining weight,” Zuidema said. “So it can lead to either overweight or even obesity and alter their cholesterol profile.”

In addition to regular checkups, the American Heart Association recommends regular exercise, a healthy diet and good sleep – to improve heart health before, during and after menopause.

After menopause, 25% of women may develop an irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation, often associated with stressful life events.

Zuidema said another important key to maintaining health is seeking treatment early.

“The earlier you seek treatment for menopause, the better the results,” said Zuidema. “Certainly, if a woman has gone through menopause before starting hormone replacement therapy, for example, then there is already some loss of bone density and other characteristics.”

Statistics show that just over 7% of menopausal women meet physical activity guidelines and less than 20% consistently follow a healthy diet.

Get more stories like this by email

Open enrollment for Medicare is underway and seniors in Maine are encouraged to consider the different plans.

Consultants say it’s important to consider both health and budget needs and to read the annual change notice – which should already have been received in the mail.

Dr. Rhonda Randall, chief medical officer at UnitedHealthcare Employer and Individual, said it’s important to ensure all providers and medications continue to be covered.

“Don’t make this decision at the last minute,” Randall said. “It’s way too much information, and thinking about the health insurance coverage you’ll have next year is an important decision.”

Randall said it’s important to know the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage — which may have additional benefits, including dental, vision and hearing benefits.

She said counselors are available at medicare.gov to help.

More than 300,000 Mainers receive Medicare. One of the biggest changes they’ll see this year is a new $2,000 cap on Part D prescription drugs.

Bridget Quinn, advocacy and outreach director at AARP Maine, said the savings are timely and important.

“So we know that the first 10 drugs — which were among the most expensive drugs for Medicare — were negotiated,” Quinn said. “We know the prices and hope that in 2025 some of these savings will be passed on to consumers.”

People with Medicare Part D drug coverage now pay nothing out of pocket for even more vaccinations, and monthly insulin costs are capped at $35.

Quinn said these savings mean people are more likely to take their medications as prescribed and have their basic needs met.

She pointed out that the many health and insurance terms and conditions can be confusing for first-time Medicare enrollees.

AARP has also created an online Medicare Resource Center to help people navigate the process.

Get more stories like this by email

Early voting begins today in Texas, and when voters cast their ballots, they will be voting for more than just the president.

They will also select members of the state legislature and Congress.

Brian Sasser is chief communications officer for the nonprofit Episcopal Health Foundation, which focuses on the nonmedical aspects of health. He said people should consider the election results of an MP when voting.

“Voting shapes policy,” Sasser said, “from access to health care, to food security, to housing, to all the other things — non-medical things — outside of the doctor’s office that affect your health.”

Early voting runs through November 1st. Election day is November 5th.

A recent Episcopal Health Foundation poll found that 68% of Texans say the state is not doing enough to ensure low-income adults get the health care they need.

Nearly 60% say the government is not doing enough to help children.

Sasser said local and state lawmakers make many decisions that impact your overall health.

“You can also look at how they handle sidewalks in your community and what they’re doing to get more people access to food vouchers,” Sasser said. “It’s more than just a single health issue. Voting is part of community membership and policies affecting voting impact your health.”

The last day to request an absentee ballot in Texas is Friday, October 25th.

Get more stories like this by email