Older adults in Pennsylvania are reminded that Wednesday, Oct. 15, is the start of the annual open enrollment period for Medicare, which lasts until Dec. 7. Any new coverage or changes to benefits will take effect at the start of 2026.

The major changes to the Medicare program in 2026 include a $2,100 out-of-pocket cap for prescription drugs, price reductions for 10 medications and an optional prescription payment plan.

The Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers a program called Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, or PA MEDI, a program which offers counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options. The PA MEDI helpline, 1-800-783-7067, is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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