This is an important reminder for people with Medicare. The Annual Election Period is October 15-December 7, 2013. This is your chance to change your prescription drug coverage. Medicare offers one time a year when you can change prescription drug plans or enroll in a plan if you missed earlier deadlines. If you are already enrolled in a prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D), it is a good idea to examine your coverage to determine if it will continue to meet your needs next year. Plans can change each year. Your premium could change, the drugs your plan covers may change, the pharmacies that your plan works with may change and the plan may put certain limitations on the drugs it covers. During the 2012 Open Enrollment Period, we saved Fulton County Residents $38,592.49! It is worth the time and effort to see if we can save you some money too.
Know your 3 C’s. #1-Coverage, Will your plan cover your medications next year? Will the plan have a coverage gap next year? #2-Cost, What will the plan’s monthly premium be next year? Will the plan have a deductible next year? What will your copayments or coinsurance be once you satisfy the deductible? #3-Convenience, Will your local or current pharmacy be in the plan’s network?
If you enroll in a plan or switch to a different plan during the annual election period, your new coverage begins on January 1, 2014. If you do switch to another Medicare prescription drug plan, don’t cancel your existing plan. When the new plan takes effect on January 1, your previous plan will automatically end.
If you are already in a Medicare prescription drug plan, the plan must send you a notice explaining how your plan will change next year. If you have prescription coverage through a former employer or union, that organization must notify you by October 15 if your prescription benefit is as good as or better than the Medicare benefit and/or if it is going to change in any way next year.
If you receive help with the costs of your Medicare prescription drug coverage, you may get a letter on colored paper explaining how that help may change.
Don’t throw away mail without reading it first, if you do not understand something you receive about Medicare or a Medicare prescription drug plan, contact OSHIIP, the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program at 1-800-686-1578 or the Fulton County Senior Center at 419-337-9299.
This information is provided by the Ohio Department of Insurance and the Fulton County Senior Center. Appointments for Drug Comparisons can be made by calling Cheryl Witt at the Senior Center, 419-337-9299. You will need to bring your Medicare Card and a current list of all medications and dosages to the appointment. The Fulton County Senior Center is located at 240 Clinton Street in Wauseon. Cheryl will also be scheduling appointments at Wyse Commons in Archbold on October 24, 2013 and November 21, 2013. No walk-ins are available during Open Enrollment so call today to make your appointment.
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