The Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI) is comprised of health insurance counselors that help you understand your health insurance options. This is a federally funded program designed to answer questions older adults have about Medicare, Medigap, Medicaid, long-term care insurance and preventive care.

With insurance becoming more and more complicated, counselors help you to understand the various types of insurance available with easy to understand information and are available to help with completing medical insurance paperwork. PA MEDI is free, confidential, and staffed by trained volunteers that provide clear and objective advice about available insurance and allow you to make informed, educated decisions.

PA MEDI counselors have direct access to State and Federal Medicare information and resources.  Volunteers can:

• Help you understand your Original Medicare benefits by explaining what services covered under Parts A and B and your Medicare Summary Notice.
• Help you make informed choices about Medicare coverage options, including the new Medicare+ Choice options.
• Help you understand the Medicare appeals process and assist with appeals paperwork.
• Help you select a Medigap insurance policy by explaining the benefits offered under each plan, and by providing you with a list of companies that sell Medigap plans.
• Inform you about eligibility for prescription drug programs and programs that pay Medicare deductibles, co-payments, and Part B premiums.

PA MEDI counselors are knowledgeable about answering health insurance questions, your Medicare rights, and your right to appeal.  Counselors are located at various sites throughout Lehigh and Northampton Counties.

For additional information on health insurance counseling, or to volunteer to become and PA MEDI Counselor, contact the Coordinator at (610) 782-3200 or email the Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services at agingandadult@lehighcounty.org.

Additional Resources:
Pennsylvania Health Law Project (PHLP)