California's seniors citizens have between now and the new year to enroll into Medicare.
The federal health care law passed earlier this year brought numerous changes to Medicare. Mara Lee is in the office of Sacramento Congresswoman Doris Matsui. Lee says seniors should examine new Medicare options before the January 1st, 2011 deadline.
"By looking at their options, and potentially choosing a new plan, or deciding that their current plan works well for them, they'll then be able to take advantage of all these new benefits," says Lee.
Some of the biggest changes include more discounts for prescription drug coverage. Seniors enrolled in the program will have access to more frequent, no cost, preventive services.
Medicare Advantage enrollees will be charged standard Medicare rates for chemotherapy, dialysis, and some other life saving treatments. Currently, Advantage enrollees can be charged substantially more than standard Medicare participants.