Medicare Open Enrollment runs through Dec. 7, and with it comes a flood of advertisements urging older adults to switch or sign up for new plans. These ads often feature bold promises, urgent deadlines, or even celebrity endorsements, but they can sometimes be confusing or misleading.

Schuylkill County residents don’t have to navigate the Medicare enrollment process alone. The PA MEDI Program (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight), operated locally by Diakon Community Services, offers free, confidential, and unbiased counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers understand coverage options and make informed choices.

PA MEDI is a statewide program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Unlike insurance agents or brokers, PA MEDI counselors do not sell or recommend Medicare insurance products and never charge a fee. Instead, they provide clear, up-to-date information so older adults can choose the plan that meets their unique needs.

The Schuylkill County PA MEDI program, funded through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging and the Schuylkill County Office of Senior Services, has been serving local residents for more than 32 years. Its highly trained volunteer counselors receive extensive onboarding and ongoing continuing education, ensuring that their guidance reflects the most recent Medicare updates.

Contact Renee Stefnic at 570-624-3026 or stefnicr@diakon.org.