Dear Friend,

During the last three months of each year, Americans can update their health insurance coverage through Medicare. This year, the annual open enrollment period began on October 15, 2023. From now until December 7, 2023, Americans who are at least 65 years old can enroll in a Medicare plan or make changes to their existing coverage. 

Traditional Medicare is health coverage managed by the federal government. Medicare coverage includes:

• Medicare Part A, known as hospital insurance; and

• Medicare Part B, known as medical insurance, including preventative care.

You can also purchase additional health coverage, such as:

• Medicare Part D, known as prescription drug coverage; and

• Medicare Supplemental Insurance, known as Medigap. 

What to Expect with Traditional Medicare:

• Enrollees generally pay a set amount for medical services (also known as a deductible) and Medicare covers the remaining cost.  

• Medicare Part B typically has a monthly premium, which can vary each year.

• You can visit any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare. You do not need to choose a primary care doctor. 

• Medicare recipients do not need a referral to visit a specialist. 

• You generally do not need to file claims for services you receive under Medicare.

You can visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-434-0222 to learn more about what services are covered under Medicare. If you wish to keep your current Medicare coverage, you do not need to re-enroll. Open enrollment is an opportunity to make sure you have the best coverage for you. 

I’m excited to share that on Thursday, November 30, 2023 at 10:30am PT, I’m hosting a telephone town hall focused on issues important to older adults, including health care coverage and preventing scams. To find out more information about this event, please contact my office at 949-668-6600 or visit porter.house.gov. 

Both here at home and in DC, I will continue working so that every American can get the care they need. To stay up to date on how I’m representing you and California's 47th District, please follow @RepKatiePorter on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and Threads and visit my website at porter.house.gov to subscribe to a newsletter for updates.

Very truly yours,