When you first looked into enrolling in Medicare Part D programs were you confused and un-amused as to what to do? Guess what? Now you get another chance. Whether you have been previously enrolled in Medicare Part D or have never done so, now you have a chance to sign up or make a change. You will be able to do so until December 31. Seniors who are satisfied with their current Medicare prescription drug coverage need not take any action.
This decision is not an easy one. There are many choices of plans. Those that will best fit you are based on the medicines you take or your financial situation. Those considering a switch will find plans offering coverage in the gap, or “donut hole” and more drugs covered by plans than in earlier plans.
More and more companies offer plans which make the decision even more difficult. For those of you who are interested in switching or you “younger” seniors who have not yet signed up for Medicare Part D it is quite a task to choose between the many plans. However, there is a lot of help available to make the decisions. Companies like Health Plan located in Massillon offer opportunities to sit down in small groups and talk. Their informational meetings are informal, no pressure and helpful.
“Community meetings are a great starting point,” said Cindy Christian, a marketing representative. “It is a fantastic way to start the process. You get the advantage of asking questions, getting the answers and hearing others’ questions in small groups. All questions are welcome.”
Christian suggests that when looking at a plan to make sure you know if it covers all of your medications or appropriate alternatives. Also, check to make sure what the deductible and/or co-pay is and she suggests if a certain drug store is important or close to you make sure you can go there for your prescriptions through the plan. It is good to check and see if there is a benefit to ordering by mail. Sometimes there are good discounts by doing so. Most company Web sites, like Health Plan (www.healthplan.org), offer a place to click on the Rx icon. There you will find a list of medications covered by their plans.
So, as the Captain and Tennille said (if you are shopping for Medicare Part D you will know who they are) “You better shop around.” For more information contact Health Plan at 1-877-236-2289.
Some important numbers and Web sites:
- Enhanced and updated Medicare Drug Plan Finder available on line at www.medicare.gov
- Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) at 1-800-686-1578 or visit www.ohioinsurance.gov for a listing of OSHIIP Medicare D events
- Information is also available at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227); TTY users should call (1-877-486-2048) or visit www.medicare.gov on the web.
- The Access to Benefits Coalition – Ohio Chapter, www.oashf.org
- Local Ohio Area Agency on Aging offices also provide help to seniors with questions about Medicare.
- There is one located in Green at 1550 Corporate Woods Parkway, 330-896-9172 or www.services4aging.org .
