Sandel seniors discuss cost-saving programs

Open enrollment for 2024 Medicare plans, which end on Dec. 7, brings new savings for seniors under the Inflation Reduction Act legislation adopted last year by President Biden.

These new cost-saving health care programs that Medicare beneficiaries can expect include $35 monthly caps on insulin, free vaccinations, and more assistance to low-income seniors for premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

State Sen. Kevin Thomas, Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Murray and Health & Human Services Regional Director Dr. Dara Kass joined representatives with the advocacy nonprofit, Protect Our Care, at the Sandel Senior Center in Rockville Centre last week, to educate eligible seniors on these new programs.

“This Medicare open enrollment period, it’s crucial to share up-to-date information and resources for seniors living on Long Island as they select new health care plans,” Murray said.

Thomas said that the new cost-saving programs are vital for our senior population, now, more than ever before.

“At a time when seniors are combating high costs from all ends, it is so important that low-cost health care is being offered as a lifeline,” Thomas said.

According to Dr. Kass, seniors can save on their prescription drug costs, with even more savings on the way, including a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap in 2025 for Medicare prescription drug coverage, and lower prices for selected high-cost prescription drugs through the Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program.

“It’s a continuous process of identifying, negotiating and then putting into place the new prices for Medicare beneficiaries such as yourselves,” Kass explained. “For the first time, the federal government will negotiate with the drug companies on your behalf.”

During the presentation, Dr. Kass took questions from the crowd of seniors, while emphasizing the state’s Health Insurance Assistance Program hotline, where seniors can call and receive free and personalized health insurance counseling to help find the correct Medicare program that best suits their needs.

“You want to make sure you’re working with a neutral arbiter,” Kass said, “someone that is there to make sure you’re getting the program that’s right for you.”

Nancy Codispoti, the director of senior services in Rockville Centre, also reminded seniors of another valuable resource that’s available to them right here in the village.

“Sherri Gilbert, our full-time social worker, is here at the Sandel Center to discuss Medicare benefits and the right plan for our seniors,” Codispoti said. “We are here to disseminate this crucial information from the government in any way we can.”

Kass agreed that events such as this are important for seniors to get non-partisan advice on the processes that will affect their everyday lives.

“Legislation such as this is only as impactful as the senior citizens knowing how they can use it,” Kass said, “and it’s important for people like me to come to gatherings like this to talk about the important work that’s being done in Washington for seniors and what it means for their lives starting today.”

Joan Hines, a Rockville Centre resident and an active member of the Sandel Senior Center, said that she thinks its important that all government representatives reach out to senior citizens and discuss the details of these programs with them, just as they have during this event.

“We are former doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professionals who vote,” Hines said. “Don’t write us off as disinterested. We certainly care.”