Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know
As your representative, I am fighting for you in Congress – just as I always have.
That means protecting you and your loved ones’ right to quality, affordable health insurance and receiving the Medicare benefits you deserve.
I won’t sugarcoat it. There are real and serious threats to undo the progress Democrats and President Biden made. In 2022, I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act to reduce costs for seniors. This includes provisions making Medicare more affordable than ever. We capped total out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs so that seniors will never pay more than $2,000 a year, no matter how expensive your drugs are. We also capped the cost of insulin at $35 a month – saving folks hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars.
In fact, in our district, 34,000 Medicare beneficiaries are expected to save a total of $7.4 million in out-of-pocket costs for their prescriptions this year alone. That’s an average of $577 per person.
Time and time again, I hear from Indianapolis residents that the high cost of healthcare and prescription drugs puts a huge strain on their household budgets. No one should go without medications like insulin simply because they can’t afford it.
We need to expand commonsense, life-saving health protections to all Americans, not just people with Medicare. The last thing seniors need is a reversal of policies that have helped them save money and receive the quality, affordable healthcare they deserve. Efforts to repeal or cut back on the Inflation Reduction Act will hurt the quality of health care and drive up prices.
We don’t know what’s going to happen to Medicare in the next administration. But I will never stop fighting for lower costs for you and your loved ones.
For now, if you are 65 or older and need coverage for the first time – or if you want to switch to a better plan – Open Enrollment for Medicare runs now until December 7.
In addition to Medicare.gov, which has several tools to compare and evaluate plans, I encourage you to visit in.gov/ship and book an appointment with a Medicare expert to compare plans and answer questions. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-452-4800 to find a State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP.
With many changes happening this year in Medicare, it’s more important than ever for seniors to check that your plan still works for you or explore updates that may help you.
Seniors should review your Annual Notice of Change to check that:
1) Your medication is still covered in 2025 and if there are any medication restrictions
2) Your pharmacy is still in network
3) Your health care providers are still in network
4) You understand any premiums, deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and tier changes.
Some things have changed, but as always, my office is available to help and support you through this process. You deserve a plan that fits you, your needs, and helps you breathe a little easier.
The future for our state and country is unclear. But one thing is certain: I will be in Congress representing you and your best interests. I will always be fighting for you – the people who give our community and our country so much potential when we work together for good.
Success Story of the Week:
“Congressman Carson’s staff were incredibly helpful in expediting my passport application during a time-sensitive situation. They ensured that I received the assistance I needed. I am so grateful for the outstanding support I received.”
--Indianapolis resident
Team Carson is Here to Serve:
Did you know that in 2023, my office responded to over 70,000 of your messages and brought $1.5 MILLION directly back to Indianapolis families? Team Carson is here to serve you – get in touch to find out how we can help you navigate a federal agency, access government benefits, or recognize a community member’s milestone.
UPCOMING DEADLINES:
Medicare Open Enrollment:
Dec. 7
Marketplace Health Insurance Open Enrollment:
For Jan 1 coverage, apply by Dec. 15.
Presidential Inauguration Tickets:
Interested in attending the 2025 Presidential Inauguration? Enter the ticket lottery here.
For updates throughout the week, don’t forget to follow me on Facebook,Instagram, and Twitter.
Your Friend,
André