Enrollees urged to review their options carefully
Starting Nov. 15 through the end of the year, Clark County subscribers to the federal Medicare Part D prescription drug program will have a chance to change plans.
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner is recommending that those enrolled in the program, as well as potential new enrollees, should give themselves plenty of time to review options. That’s because many plans are changing this year, said Marijean Holland, who manages the state’s Medicare consumer help line.
“If people are confused or have questions, we can help,” Holland said. “Our trained volunteers in your community can answer questions and search for plans online. We also provide help with original Medicare and other health (insurance) plans.”
Medicare Part D offers two options for prescription drug insurance coverage. Seniors can enroll through regular Medicare by joining a separate drug plan or they can join a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes drug coverage. According to Medicare information, whichever option you choose, you should know that prescription drug coverage can vary by cost, coverage, and convenience.
If you join either type of drug plan, each year from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 you will get information about plan changes. It’s then up to consumers to review their prescription drug needs and compare plans, said Holland.
The Washington insurance commissioner’s office offers these tips:
n Don’t wait until the last minute to select a plan.
n Don’t let anyone pressure you into buying a plan.
n Make a list of all the current prescription drugs you take, the doses and how often. Use the “plan finder” at www.medicare.gov to compare Part D plans.
n If you have questions, be sure to ask before you sign up for a plan.
n If you’re already enrolled in a Part D plan, your coverage may be different in 2010.
Medicare officials encourage all eligible consumers to join the drug plan even if they don’t take a lot of prescription drugs now. By joining, you don’t have to pay a late enrollment penalty in the form of a higher premium. It’s a penalty that remains in place as long as you have a Medicare drug plan.
By joining, if at some point when you have spent $4,350 in 2009 or $4,550 in 2010 in out-of-pocket drug costs during the year, the Medicare drug plan will pay most of your remaining drug costs.
Those within three months of their 65th birthday are eligible for Medicare insurance coverage and should contact their nearest Social Security office to sign up or visit www.ssa.gov/, then click on “medicare.”
