Jul. 14—A program designed to help Pennsylvanians who receive Medicare coverage make informed health insurance decisions has been given a new name.

Officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging recently announced they had changed the name of its state health insurance assistance program from APPRISE to Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, or PA MEDI.

They stressed that Medicare beneficiaries will receive the same services under the same program — just under a new name.

Officials said the department embarked on a rebranding process to improve public awareness of the program and of the valuable services it provides to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families and caregivers to assist them in making informed decisions to optimize cost savings and access to care.

PA MEDI provides free, confidential, objective and easy-to-understand information about Medicare Advantage Plans, prescription drug and Medicare supplement plans, Medicare appeals and allows Medicare beneficiaries to compare plans and costs to determine what best meets their needs.

Susan Neff, the director of PA MEDI, said the new brand presents a unique opportunity for the program to grow, innovate and connect with beneficiaries and organizations. It will help the program tap into new populations and to better accommodate the needs of Medicare beneficiaries.

"The new brand also supports the vision to be the known and trusted community resource for unbiased Medicare information," she said.

The program is provided through Pennsylvania's 52 area agencies on aging with a network of almost 800 trained counselors in the commonwealth, many of whom are volunteers.

Medicare beneficiaries are invited to call the PA MEDI Helpline at 1-800-783-7067 for all Medicare-related questions.

In Berks County, Berks Encore has trained PA MEDI counselors who provide Medicare informational and educational programs at six senior community centers. For those interested in becoming a PA MEDI volunteer, call 610-374-3105 at extension 208.