| Image via NAPCA
NEW YORK — The Philippine Daily Mirror, in cooperation with the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA), has adopted “Ask NAPCA” as a monthly feature to inform Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) elder communities of available programs and services they may need wherever they live in the US.
This month, NAPCA selected some questions about two crucial Medicare enrollment periods ending on March 31, 2025. Additionally, do not miss the application open period for home energy assistance.
<Question 1> I realized that I missed my Initial Enrollment Period. When can I enroll in Medicare?
<Answer 1> If you missed your Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare and you don’t qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you can still sign up during the General Enrollment Period. This period takes place every year from January 1 to March 31.
If you enroll during this time, your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month. For example, your coverage will start in April if you sign up in March. However, be aware that late enrollment penalties may apply, which can increase the cost of your monthly premiums.
<Q2> I am currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, but I found a better plan that fits my medical needs after the annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period deadline. Should I wait for the next open enrollment period to switch to the better plan?
Suppose you found a better plan after the Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Period ends (which runs from October 15 to December 7 each year). In that case, you don’t necessarily have to wait until the next open enrollment period. You can switch to another Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP), which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year.
During this period, those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare with a Part D prescription drug plan. Remember you can make only one change during this period, so choose wisely!
<Q3> I am finding it increasingly difficult to keep up with my energy bills. Are there any programs or assistance options available to help manage these expenses?
You can get assistance from the LIHEAP. This federally funded program helps low-income households meet their immediate home energy needs. This program provides eligible families an annual cash grant to help them pay for their home heating and cooling costs. The grants are paid either directly to you or your energy company.
A household must have an income that does not exceed the greater of 150% of the federal poverty guideline (e.g., monthly $2,555 for a two-person household) to be eligible. While assets are generally not a primary factor, some states may count assets as part of the eligibility requirements.
Enrollment periods may not be year-round. The application period typically runs during winter, often starting in November and ending in April, depending on the state. It is the ideal time to apply for assistance with the winter heating costs.
If you have additional questions about senior public benefits, there are three ways you can reach us today:
- Call: (English) 1-800-336-2722, (Chinese Mandarin) 1-800-683-7427, (Chinese Cantonese) 1-800-582-4218, (Korean) 1-800-582-4259, (Vietnamese) 1-800-582-4336
- Email: askNAPCA@napca.org
- Mail: NAPCA Senior Assistance Center, 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 914, Seattle, WA 98101
————————————
National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of AANHPI older adults and their families. We operate a NAPCA Senior Assistance Center for Older Adults and Caregivers, available in five languages.
–With Jay Domingo/PDM
