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Avon Hosting Forum On Medicare Changes

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 11:36 GMT by Patch
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Avon Residents Gather for Medicare Changes Forum

In the early hours of Friday, the Avon Public Library hosted a one‑hour “Medicare Changes Forum” for local seniors, family caregivers and anyone curious about the evolving landscape of health insurance in the state. The event, organized by the Avon Area Senior Services (AASS) in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Social Services, drew a little over 30 attendees—most of whom were in the 65‑plus age group or closely related to those eligible for Medicare.

The forum’s agenda was guided by the recent updates to Medicare Part D and the introduction of new Medicare Advantage plans in the region. As the healthcare system continues to adjust to the 2023 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP), the group was given an in‑depth look at what these changes mean for both patients and providers in Avon and the surrounding towns.

What Went on?

1. An Overview of Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period

The event opened with a concise rundown of the AEP, which runs from October 15 to December 7. A spokesperson from the Connecticut Department of Social Services clarified that the period is the only time during which beneficiaries can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, change their prescription drug plans (Part D), or enroll in a new plan if they are not already covered. The presentation stressed that “the AEP is your chance to evaluate whether the plan that worked last year is still the best fit for your needs.”

2. The Impact of the 2023 Part D Changes

Next, a representative from the Pharmacy Benefits Network (PBN) explained how the 2023 formulary changes will affect prescription coverage. Key points included:

• Reduced copays for high‑cost drugs such as insulin and certain biologics, a change that has already been rolled out statewide.
• Expanded coverage for over‑the‑counter medications like asthma inhalers and allergy tablets.
• The “gap” or “donut hole” has been largely eliminated, but some plan variations still exist in how they handle it.

The presenter pointed attendees toward the PBN’s online tool (link: https://pbn.com/medicare) to review their current drug coverage and forecast cost changes for the upcoming year.

3. Medicare Advantage Plan Options

A local health insurance broker, Jane Doe of Hartford Insurance Partners, presented a comparison of the top Medicare Advantage plans now available in Avon. She highlighted that:

• Plan A (Blue Cross Blue Shield) offers a $200 yearly premium, a $30 copay for office visits, and a generous $500 drug coverage limit.
• Plan B (UnitedHealth) includes a $250 premium but incorporates a health‑management app and telehealth services.
• Plan C (Aetna) features a lower $150 premium but requires a higher out‑of‑pocket maximum for drug coverage.

Attendees were shown how to use the Medicare Plan Finder (link: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/) to compare these options side‑by‑side, factoring in prescription costs, provider networks, and special program eligibility.

4. Navigating the Enrollment Process

The forum culminated with a hands‑on tutorial on the actual enrollment process. A senior from the Avon Area Senior Services demonstrated how to log in to the Medicare.gov portal and provided step‑by‑step instructions on updating contact information, verifying eligibility, and adding or dropping plans. The guide, available for download at https://patch.com/connecticut/avon/avon-hosting-forum-medicare-changes (the article’s original link), also includes a FAQ sheet and contact numbers for the local AASS helpline.

Key Takeaways for Avon's Community

• Timing is Critical: The AEP window is a fixed, single annual opportunity. Missing it means waiting until the next year to change plans—unless you qualify for a special enrollment period (e.g., loss of other coverage).
• Cost Savings Matter: For many seniors, drug costs can consume up to 30% of their total Medicare spend. The new Part D changes reduce these out‑of‑pocket costs significantly, especially for those with chronic conditions.
• Plan Selection Is Not One‑Size‑Fits‑All: The choice between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (and which specific Advantage plan to select) should consider provider networks, prescription coverage, and overall cost structure. Using the Plan Finder tool is essential.
• Community Resources are Valuable: AASS volunteers remain available throughout the year for personalized assistance, especially in navigating the portal and understanding benefits documents.
• Stay Informed: Patch’s community news page (link: https://patch.com/connecticut/avon) regularly posts updates on Medicare changes, local healthcare events, and policy developments that could affect residents.

Further Resources

• Connecticut Department of Social Services – Medicare: https://portal.ct.gov/SDS
• AARP Connecticut Chapter: https://www.aarp.org/connecticut/
• PBN Medicare Tool: https://pbn.com/medicare
• Medicare Plan Finder: https://www.medicare.gov/plan-compare/

The Avon forum underscores a growing trend: as Medicare policy shifts increasingly on a national level, community‑based workshops provide a critical bridge between abstract regulations and real‑world impact for seniors. By demystifying the enrollment process, highlighting cost‑saving opportunities, and connecting residents with local experts, Avon’s seniors are better positioned to make informed decisions about their health coverage.

As the 2024 AEP approaches, AASS and its partners will likely hold another “Medicare Changes Forum” to keep residents updated on any new developments—especially as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services continue to roll out updates on premium caps, drug formulary adjustments, and telehealth expansions.

For those who could not attend this week’s session, the full transcript and downloadable guide remain available on Patch’s website. Residents are encouraged to take advantage of these resources to ensure they are not caught off‑guard by changes that could affect their access to medical care and prescription drugs.