The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period is open and will remain open until Dec. 7.

“Your plan of 2023 may not cover the drugs in 2024,” Kimberly Wilson, director of center services with the Allegheny Community Center, said in this month’s senior news.

“It only takes a few minutes to find out if you can stay on your plan or if there is a better option out there for you.”

The open enrollment period allows people to join, drop or switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan, join a Medicare drug plan or switch from one drug plan to another, according to Medicare.

Coverage changes would go into effect on Jan. 1.

“This is the only time you are able to change or alter your Medicare coverage and benefits,” Congressman Glenn Thompson said. “During this period, you can compare your options and find the Medicare plan that best suits your needs. I know this process can be confusing.”

Thompson held a telephone town hall Tuesday to provide guidance to constituents on the process.

State officials previously highlighted changes to the Medicaid programs as well as CHIP program renewals at the state level.

“The federal public health emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for individuals to remain enrolled in Medicaid even if they became ineligible, except in certain circumstances,” state officials said in October release. “This is also known as the Medicaid continuous coverage requirement. A federal law ended the continuous coverage requirement on March 31, 2023.”

Pennsylvanians will have to complete an annual renewal when it is due to determine if they are still eligible.

“No one will lose Medicaid or CHIP coverage without first having an opportunity to renew their coverage or update their information,” state officials say.

Pennsylvanians can check that their data is accurate online, on the myCOMPASS PA mobile app or by phone and renewals will take place through April 2024.