Help for Seniors

Resources for Seniors (back to top)

Need Extra Help? Check the answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Administration on Aging
www.aoa.dhhs.gov

Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov
1 (800) 772-1213

Medicare
www.medicare.gov
1 (800) 633-4227
TTY: 1-877-486-2048
24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Senior's Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)/NCDOI
www.ncdoi.com
1 (800) 443-9354

NC DHHS Division of Aging and Adult Services
www.ncdhhs.gov
1 (919) 733-3983

Prescription Drug Coverage (back to top)

Open Enrollment Period (November 15, 2008 - December 31, 2008)
November 15, 2008 kicks off the annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. This period, which concludes on December 31, 2008 gives Medicare beneficiaries and people who are eligible for Medicare the opportunity to enroll in Medicare or to change their coverage, including Part D prescription drug coverage. It is the perfect time for beneficiaries to review their plan, compare alternatives and choose the option that best suits their needs.

Current and potential beneficiaries can speak with a Medicare counselor for information about the benefit by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). To prepare for a discussion with a counselor, you should have on hand a list of the prescription drugs you take, including the dosage and frequency, Medicare ID card, and a preferred pharmacy that you use to fill your prescriptions.

Prescription Drug Coverage: Basic Information

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans - 2009 Plan Data

Formulary Finder - 2009 Plan Data

Lower Your Costs During the Coverage Gap

Learn More About Plans in Your Area

Learn More About Medicare Coverage Options (back to top)

Check your current Medicare enrollment

Choose a plan that meets your needs:

Medicare premiums and coinsurance rates for 2009

Medicare Health Plans - 2009 Plan Data

Find & Compare Original Medicare with Medicare Health Plans and Medigap Policies

Original Medicare Plan
This fee-for-service plan covers many health care services. You can go to any doctor or supplier that is enrolled and accepts Medicare and is accepting new Medicare patients, or to any hospital or other facility. Learn more

Medicare Health Plans (like HMOs and PPOs)
These plans are approved by Medicare and run by private companies. When you join one of these plans, you are still in Medicare. Some of these plans require referrals to see specialists. They provide all of your Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) coverage. They generally offer extra benefits, and many include prescription drug coverage. These plans often have networks, which means you may have to see doctors who belong to the plan or go to certain hospitals to get covered services. In many cases, your costs for services can be lower than in the Original Medicare Plan, but it is important to check with the plan because the costs for services will vary. Learn more

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
These plans add prescription drug coverage to the Original Medicare Plan, some Medicare Cost Plans, some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans, and Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans. Learn more

Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) Policies
These policies help pay some of the health care costs that the Original Medicare Plan doesn’t cover. If you are in the Original Medicare Plan, you could get a Medigap policy to help cover the extra health care costs. Learn more

Fraud and Scams Targeting Senior Citizens (back to top)

Read more about the scams at the FBI's website by clicking on each item below.

Social Security (back to top)

Click on the Social Security Calculator below and get your benefit estimate from the Social Security Administration.


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