In our current economic situation, with retirement plans in many cases devastated and everyday costs for seniors rising, our promise must be kept. From rising prescription drug costs, to the increasing prices of everything from heating oil to everyday staples, we should not place an additional burden on those to whom we owe so much. I’m glad to see this long overdue cost of living adjustment will be implemented, and I will continue to fight to make sure that these adjustments are not taken off the table.
Please help me make seniors in your life aware that Medicare Open Enrollment Season began on Oct. 15 and will continue through Dec. 7. This period will allow those on Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug plans to look at all available plans and make a choice that is best for them. Not every income or situation is the same, so by giving seniors the opportunity to find the very best care for whatever their situation may be, at a cost that works, will help ensure their safety and well-being.
Even if you’re perfectly happy with the plan you’ve got, taking a look at your options and making sure the plan you are on gives you the best price for your prescriptions can save you money. With health care costs rising, it’s important to ensure that you get the best coverage, and I hope many of you will take advantage of this open enrollment period.
To help spread the word, I hosted a telephone town hall last week with more than 5,000 seniors from throughout our district taking part. Joining us were officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, who helped answer questions specific to the coverage and options available during Open Enrollment Season. We fielded questions from many of you, all interested in getting better care at a lower cost. I share this goal with you. The more efficient and cost effective Medicare is, the greater the benefit is for us all. If you took part in the call and have additional questions or missed it and have questions, feel free to call my office at 704-786-1612 and a caseworker can assist you in getting you the answers you need.
When it comes to the health and well-being of our seniors, I’m committed to doing all I can to preserve the programs that you and your loved ones rely on. As we look to tackle our nation’s financial woes, I will fight to protect programs like Social Security and Medicare — programs that work — from being wrongfully left on the chopping block. Many fail to understand that if the government stopped raiding the coffers of these programs, they could ensure the health of generations to come. Folks in Washington need to stop stealing from the retirement of our nation’s seniors. I’ll continue to stand up for the promises we made to so many, from our parents and grandparents before us to the youngest among us who depend on those parents and grandparents.
If you, or a family member or friend is enrolled in Social Security and Medicare and is having issues or needs help in understanding what they’re entitled to, please have them reach out to my office and see what we can do to help. Our Concord district office is located at 325 McGill Ave., Suite 500 in Concord, and can be reached by phone at 704-786-1612; the Rockingham district office is located at 230 E. Franklin St. in Rockingham, and can be reached by phone at 910-997-2070; and the Fayetteville district office is located at 6257 Raeford Road, Suite 2 in Fayetteville, and can be reached by telephone at 910-920-2070. You can also contact our office directly on the web at www.kissell.house.gov.
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