Keystone State News Connection

November 23, 2021

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Choosing the right Medicare plan can be confusing, and during the open-enrollment period, it is recommended Pennsylvanians take the time they need to find the plan best for them.

Now through Dec. 7, Pennsylvanians over 65 and people with some disabilities can sign up or make any changes to their Medicare plan at Medicare.gov.

Bill Johnston-Walsh, state director of AARP Pennsylvania, said when deciding between different Medicare plans, it is important to consider how much coverage you are looking for, the costs, and how convenient it is for your personal life.

Johnston-Walsh emphasized plans allowing you to stick with your trusted doctor or pharmacy are key.

“A lot of people like that flexibility and the convenience of saying, ‘Hey, this is my doctor. I’ve had this doctor for years and I don’t want to change,’ or, ‘I’ve been going to this pharmacy. This guy’s been wonderful, knows my prescriptions, knows what the interactions are, knows to have a good conversation with me,'” Johnston-Walsh outlined.

Nearly 2.8 million Pennsylvanians are enrolled in Medicare, according to 2020 data.

For 2022 plans, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plans to extend telehealth coverage, which became more popular during the pandemic for behavioral health visits. Benefits take effect Jan. 1.

When picking between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, along with adding a Part D prescription drug plan, it can be daunting for anyone unfamiliar with the program.

Johnston-Walsh pointed out consumers should not be afraid to ask for help unpacking the information with someone in their community.

“You may need a loved one or a family friend or someone from your church to help you go through the process,” Johnston-Walsh advised. “It can get complicated. You may need another set of eyes to be able to look at it with you, another trusted set of eyes that will be looking out for your best interest.”

Johnston-Walsh also suggested Medicare recipients connect with their local Area Agency on Aging for support. The 52 agencies throughout the state offer free insurance counseling and can help with plan comparisons, enrolling in a plan, and determining eligibility.

Biden to keep Powell as Fed chair, Brainard gets vice chair
By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP Economics Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden announced he’s nominating Jerome Powell for a second term as Federal Reserve chair, endorsing Powell’s stewardship of the economy through a brutal pandemic recession in which the Fed’s ultra-low rate policies helped bolster confidence and revitalize the job market. Biden also said he would nominate Lael Brainard, the lone Democrat on the Fed’s Board of Governors and the preferred alternative to Powell for many progressives, as vice chair. The president said he will fill the three remaining slots on the board, including vice chair for supervision, a bank regulatory post, in “early December.” His decision strikes a note of continuity and bipartisanship at a time when surging inflation is burdening households.

(Potter Twp., Pa.) A unidentified person who reportedly fell from a barge drowned last night around 7:15 PM near the Montgomery Lock and Dam on the Ohio River in Potter Twp. .

Emergency crews who were called to the scene launched boats to try and find the person who reportedly fell in and what started as a rescue mission turned into a recovery mission.
Beaver County Coroner David Gabauer’s office was called to the scene and the person’s was later recovered from the water.
The victim’s name has not yet been released.

---

Ohio Township, PA –Sean Parnell released the following statement about suspending his U.S. Senate campaign:

“I strongly disagree with the ruling today and I’m devastated by the decision. I plan on asking the court to reconsider this decision. In the order, two of the leading factors that weighed heavily in the judge’s decision revolved around me being a leading U.S. Senate candidate. There is nothing more important to me than my children, and while I plan to ask the court to reconsider, I can’t continue with a Senate campaign. My focus right now is 100% on my children, and I want them to know I do not have any other priorities and will never stop fighting for them. Thank you.”

(Independence Twp., Pa.) Pa State Police in Beaver are reporting that they were called to the scene of a motorcycle accident on Route 151 in Independence Township on Wednesday November 17, 2021, at 5:42 AM.

Upon arriving on scene, it was learned that 32-year-old Ryan Mehlhorn who has an Aliquippa address was operating his 2007 Harley-Davidson Road King on Route 151 bear Kingsley Glen Road when a deer ran in front of him. Mehlhorn sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to the hospital by his family.

(File Photo)
Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent
Monday November 22, 2021 at 12:33 PM
(Ambridge, Pa.) NadHama T. Luster, 41, of Coraopolis, PA was arrested by Ambridge Police early Monday  morning, November 22, 2021,  after they were dispatched to 1036 Maplewood Avenue  for a man with a gun trying to enter the home.  Officers contacted several people and found Luster hiding on the front porch, detained him, and he was in possession  of a 9mm handgun. While investigating, police determined  the suspect was chased off, and returned a second time. He was arrested and charged with one count of burglary, possession of a firearm by a person not to possess a firearm, and firearm not be carried without a license, all felony charges.  Luster  was taken to the Beaver County  Jail.

(File Photo)
Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent
Monday, November 22, 2021
(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge Police Chief John DeLuca reported on  Monday  morning, November 22, 2021, that three females were arrested  following shots being fired and a possible home invasion at 59 Economy Village in the borough. When Police arrived on the scene it was determined the suspects left the area, and minor injuries were sustained by the victims in the home.  Police also reported that there  were multiple gunshots fired, and the three suspects were identified.  The females charged were: Haley N. Owen 29, Precious L. McCracken 29, and Zaynah A, Dye, 23, each  female was charged with one count of burglary, two felony counts of aggravated assault, three felony counts of one propulsion of missiles, two counts of recklessly endangering . The defendants are lodged in the Beaver County Jail.

(File Photo)
Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio News Correspondent
Monday, November 22, 2021 at 9:22 AM
(Center Twp., Beaver County, Pa.) Central Valley High School Principal Shawn McCreary announced last Thursday, November 18, 2021,  that Team Polamalu, from Central Valley High School, earned 1st Place in the 2021 Power Up Pittsburgh Competition. Team members Gwen Prince, Emma Thompson, Ryan Hardek, and  Paul  McElhaney  presented their idea  for powering Pittsburgh using Plezoelectricity,  and Solar Power. Judging was done by a  team of Shell engineers and local leaders. The students won Steeler gift bags, a trophy is on display at  the high school, and tickets to the December 5 Steelers vs Ravens game . The school was a awarded a  $1,500 STEM  grant  from SHELL.  The winners will be recognized at the Steeler games, Mr. McCreary said.