Older Pennsylvanians encouraged to check their healthcare plans

(Harrisburg) — The Pennsylvania Insurance Department is encouraging residents nearing the age of 65 to talk with their employers or examine their healthcare plan so they aren’t stuck with any surprise bills.

As more Pennsylvanians work past age 65, more are running into a problem with their health insurance.

Ron Ruman, with the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, says many employers look to work with Medicare when their employees or retirees become eligible.

“The employer-sponsored healthcare plans take what is called an offset. And what this means is that that employer plan pays less than it would have otherwise because the individual is eligible for Medicare and Medicare could be covering some of those expenses,” Ruman said.

Ruman says if an individual decides to enroll in Medicare to cover gaps in their plan, it’s probably best to do so during the initial enrollment period that lasts from three months before a person’s 65th birthday to three months after. Otherwise the person could face a higher premium.