Dear friend,
As we enter the fall season, it is important that we all stay updated on our vaccines and shots. I care for each of you and want you to stay safe and healthy this season!
COVID-19 Boosters and Flu Shots
COVID-19 has not gone away, and we can continue working to protect ourselves against this virus. You can receive a safe COVID-19 booster without an appointment through the Milwaukee Health Department, including through drive-thru clinics each Saturday this month. COVID-19 vaccines are free for children ages 18 and under with BadgerCare/Medicaid or uninsured and free for adults ages 19 and older without health insurance. Find more details here.
There are also options for residents who are home bound. If you or someone you know can’t make it to a COVID-19 vaccination site, you can call Milwaukee County’s Aging and Disability Resource Center at 414-289-6874 or dial 211. Additionally, having COVID-19 tests on hand is helpful, and every household can order four free additional COVID-19 tests here or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
And as it gets colder, flu cases tend to go up and can lead to serious illness. Help protect yourself and others this season from getting sick with a flu shot. Milwaukee’s Health Department is offering flu shots at health centers in Milwaukee. Find more information here.
Open Enrollment for Medicare Beneficiaries
Medicare open enrollment runs from October 15th through December 7th. During this time, you can change your plan and prescription drug coverage. Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to learn about plans that can provide the coverage you need.
The Inflation Reduction Act was historic and bold policy, finally giving Medicare the power to negotiate the price of prescription drugs, among other key measures. Thanks to President Biden and congressional Democrats advancing this legislation, Medicare recipients can save big on health care costs, including prescription drugs and vaccines. Individuals who depend on insulin will have this essential medicine capped at $35 a month. This proposal alone is a gamechanger, HHS estimates that 1.5 million Americans could have saved $500 a year if this proposal was implemented in 2020.
Beginning October 15th, many Medicare beneficiaries will save on prescription medicine they need. Any prescription drug covered through Medicare Part B will have a lower copay if the price has increased above inflation.
In 2024, Medicare Part D enrollees who have drug costs high enough to go beyond a certain threshold will no longer be required to pay any cost sharing for their Part D drugs. Starting January 1, 2024, this threshold will be $8000. The following year, 2025, the out-of-pocket costs for all Medicare beneficiaries will be capped at $2,000, helping nearly 19 million seniors save an average of $400 each year.
Vaccines will also be fully covered, which will mean Medicare recipients will pay zero out of pocket costs for vaccines to prevent shingles, tetanus, hepatitis, COVID-19, and flu.
Maintaining Medicaid Coverage
I want to share an important update for those who use Medicaid (often called Badgercare in Wisconsin) and CHIP. Right now, Medicaid and CHIP programs, including those in Wisconsin, have resumed their annual process of checking eligibility and renewing coverage for Medicaid recipients. The typical Medicaid renewal process was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic. That means that many Medicaid recipients will now need to submit or return renewal paperwork to remain eligible. Failure to do so may result in your no longer having coverage.
If you have not done so, it is critical that you update your contact information with your state Medicaid or CHIP agency especially if you enrolled in Medicaid and may have moved during the pandemic.
Be on the lookout for any mail from Medicaid and/or CHIP (Badgercare) and if you do, make sure you provide the forms and information they request as quickly as possible. If you are dis-enrolled, call Wisconsin’s Medicaid office and check to see if you can be re-enrolled.
Medicaid and BadgerCare Plus recipients are encouraged to learn their renewal month and make a plan to renew. For questions or help enrolling, call Covering Wisconsin at 414-400-9489 for free help.
And it’s important to note, that even if the head of household or adult in a household may no longer be eligible because of income changes, affected children in that household may still be eligible.
Again, acting fast can prevent any interruptions in coverage. Renewing CHIP or Medicaid has no impact on your immigration status. If you are unable to be re-enrolled in Medicaid because of changes in your income, you may be able to get covered through the ACA marketplace at HealthCare.Gov, with affordable plans that can meet you and your family’s needs.
Learn more about the renewal process here.
My Office is Here to Help
As always, if you have any questions or need assistance, my staff is happy to help you; please don’t hesitate to call my district office at 414-297-1140.
Your friend,
Gwen
