Page 12 THE REVERE ADVOCATE – FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2024 Here’s what seniors need to know about changes to Medicare Part D By Kenneth Th orpe C ongress recently made a number of changes to Medicare’s “Part D” prescription drug benefi t. The changes were part of President Biden’s signature legislation, the Infl ation Reduction Act. The legislation was intended to make it easier for seniors to aff ord their medicines. Some of the changes will indeed help seniors. But other changes could inadvertently raise seniors’ costs, reduce their access to medicines, and stifl e the development of new treatments. With open enrollment season just around the corner — it’ll run from October 15 to December 7 this year — every senior should know about the Infl ation Reduction Act and how it has impacted Medicare. First, the good news. Seniors using insulin now have If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available their costs capped at $35 each month. This has already made a huge diff erence for those living with diabetes. Starting next year, seniors’ yearly out-of-pocket Part D drug costs will be capped at $2,000. Seniors will also have the option to spread these costs out over the entire year through a new program called the “Medicare Prescription Payment Plan.” Both of these changes can help seniors who rely on multiple brand-name medicines and those on fi xed incomes. But right now, very few enrollees are aware of this new program. Medicare could do more to alert seniors to this new feature, especially since seniors interested in this benefi t will need to opt in. During open enrollment season, seniors should consider contacting their Part D insurers if they’d benefi t from spreading out their pharmacy costs. Because of the Infl ation Reduction Act, Medicare can now set prices on some covered drugs for the first time ever. Unfortunately, this policy has had some unintended effects on the development of new medicines. Thus far, it has already resulted in the discontinuation of at least 36 research programs and 22 experimental drugs. The Infl ation Reduction Act has also resulted in higher premiums for seniors. This year, standalone Part D plans were on track to cost 21% more than they did last year, on average. As a result, many seniors switched to lower cost options. The number of plans available has also dropped, down about 25% since 2020. Because of the law, many insurers have also shifted some medications to “non-preferred” or “specialty” tiers that require higher out-of-pocket costs, restricting benefi ciaries’ access to previously covered drugs. Some insurers have also created rules that make it harder to get the drugs your doctor recommends, like making patients fi rst try cheaper options. It is important that seniors learn about these changes — and the impact they’re having on their access to medicines. Kenneth E. Thorpe is chairman of the Department of Health Policy and Management at the Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University. He is chairman of the Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease. Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child Collection Week, now through Nov. 25 E very year National Collection Week takes place during the third week in November when across the country more than 4,500 drop-off locations open to collect shoebox gifts — fi lled with fun toys, school supplies and personal care items. This is an eff ort to send God’s love to millions of boys and girls around the world through the Samaritan’s Purse project. Throughout the project’s National Collection Week, area shoebox donors will contribute to the 2024 global goal of reaching 12 million children. During the year, you can also Build a Shoebox online at https://www.samaritanspurse. org/operation-christmas-child/ buildonline/ or mail or drop off your gift-filled shoeboxes at a permanent Ministry Center. Local drop off locations are as follows: • Chelsea, Mass. — NEW LIFE CHRISTIAN CENTER, 47 Spruce St., Chelsea, MA 02150-2345. Dates/Times: Fri., Nov. 22: 3:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 23: 4:00 p.m.6:30 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 24: 12:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m.; Mon., Nov. 25: 3:00 p.m.-5:30 p.m. • Melrose, Mass. — FAITH EVANGELICAL CHURCH, 200 Franklin St., Melrose, MA 02176-1823. Dates/Times: Fri., Nov. 22: 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m.; Sat., Nov. 23: 10:00 a.m.3:00 p.m.; Sun., Nov. 24: 12:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m.; Mon., Nov. 25: 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
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