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AARP reminds West Virginians that open enrollment in Medicare Part D
prescription drug plans ends December 31.
If enrolled, Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to evaluate their
current plan, and if necessary, switch to a different plan.
Open
enrollment runs through December 31, with coverage starting January 1,
2007.
People are urged to make their decisions early in December to
allow for the timely processing of their applications.
"For the majority of Medicare beneficiaries, this is the first
opportunity to change plans," said Gaylene Miller, Associate State
Director for Community Outreach. "It is also the first opportunity for
beneficiaries to enroll if they missed the chance during the initial
enrollment period, which ended in May.
AARP encourages Medicare
beneficiaries to shop around for the plan that best meets their needs
and saves them money. They should sign up by December 8 so that their
applications will be processed and all of their information will be in
the computers by January 1."
If Medicare beneficiaries are satisfied with their current plans and
coverage, and their needs have not changed dramatically, then they do
not have to do anything.
Their coverage will continue. However,
beneficiaries are urged to review information from their plans that may
indicate changes to coverage or costs.
If beneficiaries are dissatisfied with their plans for any reason, AARP
encourages them to shop around and find a better plan.
There are new
plans that offer enhanced benefits, including coverage through the gap,
known as the donut hole, and zero-deductibles.
To enroll in a Medicare Part D plan:
* Contact the West Virginia Medicare Call Center of the State
Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) by calling 1-877-987-4463.
* Beneficiaries with lower incomes can qualify for extra help in
paying all or part of their Medicare Part D monthly plan premiums and
co-payments. Counselors at the Medicare Call Center can help.
* AARP's website www.aarp.org has a wealth of general
Medicare-related information in easy-to-understand language.
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