It’s that time of year again! Time to know your list and check it twice. Even though Christmas is just around the corner, that is not list to which I am referring. What LIST you ask? Your medication list.
Now is Medicare Prescription Drug Plan open enrollment period. Now before you close off this post thinking you’re not of that “certain age” ( I know I haven’t reached that mature age either) but I bet we both know friends or family members, who are Medicare beneficiaries.
October 15 through December 7 is when all beneficiaries can change their plans, if they like. In my line of work, we encourage individuals to check their plans yearly, even if they are currently satisfied with their plan. Why? Because plans can change the medications they cover and sometimes the cost of being in the plan may have increased.
How You Can Help
- Make sure older adults you know are informed that it’s time to review their Medicare Drug Plans.
- If you are computer savvy, you can take the list of their medications (also helps to have their Medicare card with you as well, in order to get the most accurate information), visit Medicare.gov and run a plan comparison.
- Visit your local Area Agency on Aging or contact your states insurance office and they can connect you with knowledgeable staff that run plan comparison, review them with you and enroll you in the plan of your choice. These services are typically free of charge.
- Check to see if your friend or family member may be eligible for Extra Help in covering their prescription drug costs. Visit: SSA.gov
Screen shot of Medicare Website
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Pam says
22 October, 2013 at 5:55 pmThanks, Wanda. I will check on my mom and aunt. They are always in need of ways to stretch their dollars.
Wanda says
23 October, 2013 at 10:19 amIt’s great that they have someone to check out things for the Pam. Hope you find something useful. Have a great day.