EVANSVILLE, Ind. – State Rep. Alex Burton (D-Evansville) will host a community town hall and listening session on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025, to address mid-decade redistricting efforts by the Statehouse majority and highlight the issues state leaders should be prioritizing instead.

The event will begin with brief remarks and a Q&A on redistricting, followed by an open forum for constituents to share their perspectives on redistricting and other challenges facing their community.

WHO: State Rep. Alex Burton, Former Indiana Senator and U.S. Ambassador to The Holy See Joe Donnelly

WHAT: Redistricting Town Hall and Listening Session

WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2025 | 6-7:30 PM CST

WHERE: Evansville Public Library – McCollough (5115 Washington Ave, Evansville, IN 47715)

Beginning January 1, 2026, Indiana will implement a major change to its Medicare supplemental (Medigap) policy regulations through the adoption of the Medicare birthday rule, following the passage of House Bill 1226. This rule introduces a new annual opportunity for eligible Medicare beneficiaries to switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting, offering greater flexibility and potential cost savings.

Having worked with retirees and their families for more than 10 years, I know firsthand how important it is that both beneficiaries and those who support them – spouses, adult children, and individuals with power of attorney – understand how this rule works and how it may impact their financial and healthcare planning.

What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule?

The Medicare birthday rule allows individuals enrolled in a Medigap plan to switch to another plan of the same letter type (e.g., Plan G to Plan G) offered by a different insurance company within 60 days of your birthday – without being subject to medical underwriting.

This means no health screening is required, pre-existing conditions will not affect eligibility or premiums, and beneficiaries can shop for better rates and potentially reduce their monthly costs.

To take advantage of this rule, you must be age 65 or older, currently enrolled in a Medigap plan, and apply to switch plans within the 60-day window of your birthday.

Before this legislation, Indiana residents seeking to change Medigap plans outside of their initial enrollment period typically faced medical underwriting, which could result in higher premiums or denial of coverage due to health status.

Indiana becomes the 10^th state to implement a version of the Medicare birthday rule.  Each state’s version varies slightly, but the core principle remains: guaranteed issue rights during a birth-based enrollment window.

While the birthday rule offers clear benefits, it’s important to consider the broader financial implications: Insurance carriers may adjust premiums to offset the risk of guaranteed issue. States with similar rules have seen premium increases over time. Plus, market dynamics could shift, affecting plan availability and pricing.

These factors underscore the importance of reviewing your coverage annually and working with a professional financial advisor to make informed decisions.

What Should You Do?

If you or a loved one is enrolled in a Medigap plan in Indiana:

• Mark your birthday month on your calendar for 2026.
• Review your current plan and premiums.
• Compare offerings from other insurers for the same plan type.
• Consult with a licensed Medicare advisor or financial advisor to evaluate your options.

This rule empowers Indiana seniors to make more informed and cost-effective decisions about their healthcare coverage – without the barrier of underwriting.

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On Saturday, October 25, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is sponsoring their nationwide “Prescription Drug Take Back” initiative.  The “Take Back” initiative seeks to prevent prescription drug abuse and theft through proper disposal of prescription drugs.

Collection sites will be set up nationwide for expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs which will be properly disposed of without threat to the environment.  This program is for liquid and pill medications.  Vaping pens without batteries and vaping cartridges will also be taken.  Needles WILL NOT be accepted for disposal.  This service is free and anonymous with no questions asked.

This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue.  Unused or expired medication in home cabinets is highly susceptible to theft, misuse, and abuse. Rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high, as are the number of accidental poisonings and overdoses due to these drugs.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet.

Indiana State Police at Evansville, which is located at 19411 Hwy 41 North, will be accepting unused or expired prescription medication on Saturday, October 25, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

by Wendy McNamara