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Hoekstra Encourages Seniors to Compare Plans during Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period
2008 Open Enrollment Period Runs from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31
Washington,
Nov 18, 2008 -
The 2008 open enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and Medicare Advantage plans has begun and runs through Dec. 31, 2008. It is an opportunity for seniors to enroll in the program or, for those already participating, to review their plans and make any necessary changes.
“The Medicare prescription drug plan is helping seniors to better manage their health and decrease costs,” said U.S. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Holland. “I encourage seniors to compare plans during the open enrollment period to determine whether their current plan remains the best option.”
In addition, beneficiaries who have Medicare Advantage plans can change their enrollment status – enroll in a new plan, change plans or cancel a plan – between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2009.
Plan options can be compared in the “Medicare & You” that was mailed in October or at www.medicare.gov. Beneficiaries should consider several criteria when comparing Medicare prescription drug plans: costs, including premiums, deductibles and copayments; coverage of necessary prescriptions and the coverage gap; and convenience of accessing prescriptions. Seniors should have a complete list of prescriptions currently taken during the comparison process for use as a reference.
Financial assistance is available for individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. It is strongly recommended that beneficiaries contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 and apply for the subsidy. For further assistance individuals should contact the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program at 1-800-803-7174, their local council on aging or Medicare to speak directly with a Medicare representative at 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medicare Part D was created as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 and took effect on Jan. 1, 2006. A total of 95,466 beneficiaries are receiving drug coverage through Medicare or a former employer in Michigan’s Second Congressional District.
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