We hope you’re enjoying the holiday season. Please join us on Monday, Dec. 22 for a relaxed Holiday Open House — a chance to connect with neighbors, enjoy light refreshments and music, and hear community updates.

This is a casual, family-friendly gathering; stop by when you can, stay as long as you like, and bring a friend. We look forward to seeing you and sharing some holiday cheer!

Medicare beneficiaries have until this Sunday, Dec. 7 to sign up for or change Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and Medicare Advantage plans; any new coverage or changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2026. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging provides free, unbiased counseling through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight.

Local PA MEDI counselors at Area Agencies on Aging can compare plans, assist with enrollment or plan changes, and evaluate eligibility for Pennsylvania’s Medicare cost-savings programs. If you need help, my office can connect you with local PA MEDI resources and guide you through the process.

Pennie’s Open Enrollment period is officially open. If you or your family need health coverage for 2026, visit https://pennie.com/learn/how-to-enroll to compare plans and enroll through Pennsylvania’s official health insurance marketplace.

Important dates and details:

• Enroll by Dec. 15 to have coverage begin Jan. 1.
• Pennie offers high-quality plans and resources to help you choose the right coverage for your needs.

If you need assistance getting enrolled in a quality health plan, a Pennie Certified Pro can help. Call 1-844-844-8040 or visit https://pennie.com/connect/to find free local assistance and additional resources.

With open enrollment periods for insurance in full swing, please be extra cautious with unsolicited offers online or over the phone. If you didn’t initiate the contact, it could be a scam — hang up immediately if something feels off.

How to protect yourself:

• Verify licensing: Confirm the agent and company are properly licensed before buying a policy by clicking here.
• Watch for impersonators: Be wary of callers claiming to be from Medicare, Social Security, the Pennsylvania Insurance Department, or any government agency. Medicare and the Pennsylvania Insurance Department will never call to sell you a product.
• Protect your information: Never give payment details, Social Security numbers, or bank information to unsolicited callers.

Please share this information with family and friends who may be vulnerable during open enrollment, and save official contact details so you can verify offers quickly.

LIHEAP applications are now open. LIHEAP provides cash grants to help eligible households pay heating bills and stay safe and warm this winter.

If you think you may qualify or need help applying, call our office at (814) 455-6319 or visit the LIHEAP website to apply.

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has announced that fishing licenses, launch permits, and gift vouchers for the 2026 season are now available for purchase. You may buy them online at huntfish.pa.gov or from any retail license-issuing agent.

For more information, please visit here. 

As a friendly reminder, our Erie satellite office at 2808 State St., Suite 106 is open to help you access state services. We’re on site and ready to help Tuesdays–Thursdays, from 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Walk-ins are welcome for routine matters; appointments are available for more complex issues. We assist with PennDOT services, veterans’ resources, licensing and benefits, and other state casework.

To schedule or ask questions, call (814) 455-6319 or email RepMerski@pahouse.net. We look forward to meeting you and making government more accessible.

Bob Merski

District Office

3921 Buffalo Rd.

Erie, PA 16510

(814) 455-6319

Pennsylvania State Capitol

221 Irvis Office Building

P.O. Box 202002

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 787-4358