Medicare Part D open enrollment is going on now.
Seniors have a little over a month to enroll or change their plan through Medicare Part D. Jack Meyers with Social Security explains this is the chance seniors have to enroll into Medicare Part D, or to change their plan. Meyers notes, anyone on Medicare can join Medicare Part D, which is the prescription drug coverage of Medicare.
[audio:11512openenroll1.mp3] [/audio]
Meyers has a recommendation to those who may be new to Medicare, and may soon be faced with this decision. He recommends enrolling right away, because if you wait to enroll, there is a chance you have to pay penalty costs because of other drug coverages.
[audio:11512openenroll2.mp3] [/audio]
For seniors already enrolled into Medicare Part D, it is also recommended you take a look at your plan and compare with other plans to see if they could better meet your needs. Meyers explains this would be a good idea for seniors who have had their prescriptions changed, or seniors who may not be happy with their current plan.
[audio:11512openenroll3.mp3] [/audio]
Enrollment is open until December 7. There are several ways seniors can receive information and help in determining what their futures with Medicare Part D should be. The first is to contact the Senior Health Insurance Program, or SHIP, by calling at 1-800-548-9034. SHIP can give you unbiased information about all the options you have. Other information can be gathered by calling Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227. You can also stop in or call your local senior center and receive guidance as well.
Social Security also has a few programs that can help seniors financially in covering some of their Medicare Part D costs. Tune into Regional Radio News tomorrow for information on those programs.
