Dates for Medicare Open Enrollment
The new dates for the Annual Open Enrollment for Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) are October 15, 2011 – December 7, 2011. This is the one time each year that all Medicare beneficiaries can enroll, disenroll or change their Medicare drug plan. Those who are eligible but do not have prescription drug coverage can also enroll in a plan at this time.Any changes made to your plan during this enrollment period will go into effect January 1, 2012.
Each year, your existing plan can change your cost and covered medications. Therefore, your current plan may or may not be the best plan for you in 2012. Medicare requires Part D plan providers to send a “Notice of Change” letter to their enrollees inSeptember. This letter covers changes to all aspects of your current plan. It is important that enrollees call their current plan providers to confirm the drugs they take will continue to be covered in 2012.
Everyone with Medicare Part D should compare their current plan to other plans. The important things to look for are monthly premium; annual deductible; your share of the costs (co-payment or coinsurance); the list of the drugs it covers (formulary); coverage it offers in the coverage gap; and restrictions on certain drugs (such as prior authorization, step therapy and/or quantity limits). Your current plan may also decide not to participate in 2012.
Action for Older Persons (AOP) provides unbiased assistance to Broome County residents who have Medicare D questions and concerns. Information and counseling are provided to help individuals make informed choices. Call AOP at 607-722-1251 to set up a free, confidential counseling appointment.
Other New York residents can call the Health Insurance Information and Counseling Program at (800) 701-0501; in Pennsylvania call Apprise at (800) 783-7067.
Posted: 10/9/2011 7:00 am
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