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<p class="MsoNormal"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">Sent on behalf of the Ohio Department of Aging…<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="border:none;padding:0in"><i><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif">State Library of Ohio<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Century Gothic",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<table class="MsoNormalTable" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" style="width:100.0%;border-collapse:collapse">
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<td width="346" valign="bottom" style="width:259.7pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top:12.0pt"><img width="238" height="48" style="width:2.4791in;height:.5in" id="Picture_x0020_3" src="cid:image003.png@01D5802D.C2AF4E10"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#700017"><br>
Ursel J. McElroy</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#700017">, </span>
<span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#777777">Director</span><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#700017"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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<td width="241" valign="bottom" style="width:180.7pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-top:12.0pt;text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#700017"><br>
Mike DeWine</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#700017">,</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt">
<span style="color:#777777">Governor</span></span><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
</td>
<td width="358" valign="bottom" style="width:268.7pt;padding:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt">
<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="margin-top:12.0pt;text-align:right"><img width="238" height="48" style="width:2.4791in;height:.5in" id="Picture_x0020_2" src="cid:image004.jpg@01D5802D.C2AF4E10"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="right" style="text-align:right"><b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#700017"> Jillian Froment</span></b><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#700017">,
</span><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:#777777">Director<o:p></o:p></span></p>
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<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><br>
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> – Oct 11, 2019 <br>
<br>
Contacts: Aging - Beth Gianforcaro, (614) 644-6230, <a href="mailto:bgianforcaro@age.ohio.gov">
<span style="color:blue">bgianforcaro@age.ohio.gov</span></a><u><span style="color:blue">
<br>
</span></u> Insurance - Chris Brock, (614) 728-1539, <a href="mailto:christopher.brock@insurance.ohio.gov">
<span style="color:blue">christopher.brock@insurance.ohio.gov</span></a><u><span style="color:blue">
</span></u><i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><i><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Video message from Director McElroy and Director Froment:</span></i><span style="font-size:12.0pt">
<a href="https://youtu.be/mZASgtEyo44"><span style="color:blue">https://youtu.be/mZASgtEyo44</span></a><br>
<i>Radio/podcast partners:</i> <a href="https://aging.sharefile.com/d-s5de6bcc4e3c4790b">
<span style="color:blue">Download audio clips.</span></a><u><span style="color:blue"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><u><span style="font-size:12.0pt;color:blue"><o:p><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></o:p></span></u></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:14.0pt">As Medicare Open Enrollment approaches, state agencies help older Ohioans understand their health and medical insurance options<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="margin-bottom:12.0pt;text-align:center">
<i><span style="font-size:14.0pt">More than two million Ohioans rely on Medicare<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Columbus, Ohio</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt"> – Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period begins Oct. 15 and ends on Dec 7, 2019. The Ohio Department of Aging and the
Ohio Department of Insurance encourage all Ohioans with Medicare to review their coverage options and ensure they are choosing the best plan to meet their needs and their budgets.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“Choosing the right Medicare plan is making a plan for your future,” said Ursel J. McElroy, director of the Ohio Department of Aging. “Examine your options now and every year to
ensure your Medicare plan responds to your changing health needs and preferences.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">“Medicare options can be overwhelming; we’re here to help,” added Jillian Froment, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. “Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program
counselors are in your communities throughout open enrollment. They provide free, unbiased assistance with evaluating Medicare plans and providers.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">During open enrollment, Ohioans with Medicare can stay on original Medicare and shop for a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan. Or, they can select a Medicare Advantage Plan,
which provides comprehensive health benefits, typically including prescription drug coverage.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Even if they plan to stay with their existing coverage, Ohioans should use this time to determine if that coverage will continue to meet their health insurance needs. Plans can
change from year to year, as can an individual’s overall health and insurance needs. People with Medicare can also use this time to learn about recent Medicare updates and financial assistance programs.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The Ohio Department of Insurance’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is hosting Medicare Check-Up events throughout the state to help consumers objectively
compare plans and learn about their options and available assistance. View a calendar of Medicare Check-Up events at
<a href="http://www.insurance.ohio.gov"><span style="color:blue">www.insurance.ohio.gov</span></a>. Those unable to attend a Medicare Check-Up event can contact OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578 or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><span style="font-size:12.0pt">Your area agency on aging is also a great resource for access to local Medicare help. Call
<br>
1-866-243-5678 to be connected to the agency serving your community.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom:6.0pt"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">About ODA –
</span></b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services,
as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit
<a href="http://www.aging.ohio.gov">www.aging.ohio.gov</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"><b><span style="font-size:12.0pt">###<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
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