Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Season Ends December 31st
Washington,
Dec 9, 2008 -
Seniors age sixty-five and older have the opportunity to enroll in the Medicare prescription drug program or make changes to their current Medicare Part D prescription coverage. Through December 31st, Medicare is holding its annual open enrollment period. If you are an eligible senior, or you are the caregiver for someone who qualifies for Medicare, the open enrollment season is the time to compare prescription drug plans to ensure your plan meets your needs.
Nearly forty million seniors in the U.S. receive prescription drug coverage through Medicare. In Kentucky’s Fourth District, more than 48,000 seniors are enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan. In 2009, Kentuckians will be able to choose from forty-nine Medicare Part D plans. The Part D program has allowed many seniors to enjoy greater financial security and the peace of mind that comes with knowing their prescription needs will be met. According to a November 2007 poll conducted by AARP, the vast majority (almost eighty percent) of seniors are satisfied with their Medicare prescription drug plan (see the full survey findings HERE).
For 2009, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have reported that the average monthly premium for our nation’s seniors will be twenty-eight dollars. While this is slightly higher than the 2008 average of twenty-five dollars, it is still much lower than the forty-four dollar cost that was originally estimated when the Part D program was created in the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. According to CMS, the three dollar premium increase for 2009 can be attributed to general trends in drug costs and higher plan estimates for catastrophic coverage.
Seniors who are unhappy with their current Medicare Part D plan and are interested in finding a new plan should review CMS’s annual “Medicare and You” handbook. The handbook contains useful explanations of the 2009 costs, plan options and scope of benefits. The “Medicare and You” handbook is available online HERE. You can find additional information about Medicare plans and coverage on Medicare’s website, which is located at www.medicare.gov. If you do not have internet access, you can contact Medicare at (800) 633-4227 to request the “Medicare and You” handbook or to speak with a representative about available choices.
The Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is another good resource available to help Kentucky’s seniors learn more about their Medicare options. SHIP provides counseling and information to seniors and their families about Medicare in the Commonwealth. In addition to explaining Medicare coverage and supplemental insurance, SHIP can assist seniors as they compare plans, fill out prescription drug discount program applications and apply for additional benefits. To speak with a SHIP representative toll-free, seniors can call (877) 293-7447.
There are many resources available to help seniors choose the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan that best meets their needs. Please do not hesitate to contact my Fort Mitchell office at (859) 426-0080 if I can be of assistance as you make your decision about Medicare prescription drug coverage.
