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November is here and fall is in full swing. It's the time of year for watching football, raking leaves, picking out Halloween costumes and, for people with Medicare, thinking about their current Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. The time for the open enrollment period is November 15 - December 31. This gives Medicare beneficiaries a chance to add, switch or drop a Part D prescription drug plan. It's a reminder that every year Medicare Advantage plans and Part D prescription drug plans make changes to what services and drugs are covered along with changes in deductibles, copayments and other costs. It's a good idea to review your current plan to see if there have been any changes. There may be other plans that you can switch to during the open enrollment period that can save you money next year.
Here are some ways to find out more information about Medicare including answers to your questions, ways to help pay for Part D prescription coverage and who in your area can help you make the right decisions about your Medicare choices.
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (English and Spanish)
TTY (text telephones) 1-877-486-2048
www.medicare.gov
This is the place for general Medicare information. Find out about Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D.
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Also find info on Medicare events and activities in your area along with info on nursing homes in your area.
The website has plenty of information available including the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Finder. It's used to view and compare different prescription plan costs based on your current medications. You can also compare these other plans to your current one. It is encouraged to find and compare plans based on the medications you are currently taking. You can save money by switching to a plan that provides lower premiums, $0 dollar deductibles, and smaller copays. The Prescription Drug Plan Finder can also be used to estimate when or if you will fall into the donut hole.
Social Security:
1-800-772-1213 (English and Spanish)
TTY 1-800-325-0778
www.socialsecurity.gov
Contact social security to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B, ask for a new Medicare card, change in address, or locate local social security offices. Also, individuals having trouble paying for their Medicare prescription drug costs can find out if they qualify and apply for "extra help" by contacting social security. Medicare beneficiaries who qualify for "extra help" receive reduced deductibles and copayments for prescription drugs.
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State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP):
SHIPs are state-based programs that provide free counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families by providing information on a wide range of Medicaid and Medicare matters including finding and comparing Part D prescription drug plans. They offer free counseling and education via phone or face-to-face sessions. They also provide public education presentations and media activities. The websites list schedules for these events.
Missouri SHIP: Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri (CLAIM)
1-800-390-3330
www.missouriclaim.org
Kansas SHIP: Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)
1-800-860-5260
www.agingkansas.org
Also check with your doctor and pharmacist about other Medicare education opportunities in your area.
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