Urgent Medicare Crisis in Umatilla and Union Counties
Residents of Umatilla and Union Counties face a critical healthcare crisis as the only Medicare Advantage option for 2025, "Summit," will no longer be available. For seniors currently enrolled in Summit's Medicare Advantage plan, the upcoming annual enrollment period—October 15 to December 7—is crucial. During this window, they must transition to "Traditional Medicare" or risk losing essential healthcare coverage. Failing to take action will leave seniors with only Medicare Parts A and B, which cover only 80% of healthcare costs, leaving the remaining 20% as an out-of-pocket burden. This could expose seniors to significant financial risks in the event of medical emergencies, surgeries, or long-term treatments. The absence of Medicare Advantage means they will have to carefully assess options like Medigap or Medicare Supplement plans to avoid financial vulnerability. Additionally, those already enrolled in Traditional Medicare who rely on Part D for prescription