Need Help with Medicare Part D?

Get Free Assistance Comparing Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
Medicare Open Enrollment is Nov. 15 – Dec. 31, 2008

Each year plans adjust what they cost and what they cover. Now is the time for people with Medicare to review the changes being made by their current plan and compare it to others to make sure it still meets their needs. Those who don't have prescription drug coverage can also enroll in a drug plan during open enrollment.

Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes – such as reduced coverage in the gap – if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009. Medicare encourages individual beneficiaries to review how their plans are changing and what other options are available.

There are four ways to review and compare plans:

  1. 1. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048). 24 hour help is available from trained Medicare representatives.
  2. 2. Visit www.medicare.gov. Compare costs, coverage and more. Get an estimate of your out‑of‑pocket costs for the year.
  3. 3. See the listing of plans in your Medicare & You handbook and information sent to you by your plan.
  4. 4. Talk with local Medicare experts at the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP): 217-785-9021 or 1-800-548-9034.
  5. 5. Attend an event in your area to meet one‑on‑one with counselors.
CityDateTimeLocation
Bloomington Tuesday, December 9 10:00–11:00am Bickford House
14 Heartland Drive
Champaign Tuesday, November 11 10:30am Provena Center for Healthy Aging
410 E University, Suite 102
Thursday, November 13 10:00am and 6:00pm Provena Center for Healthy Aging
410 E University, Suite 102
Monday, November 17 10:00am and 6:00pm Fisher Community Building
Monday, November 17 1:00–3:00pm Bickford Cottage
1002 S Stanley Rd.
Wednesday, November 19 6:30pm Homer Fire Department
Libertyville Friday, November 21 10:00am–Noon Libertyville Senior Center
135 West Church Street
McHenry Sunday, November 16 11:30am–2:00pm McHenry Retirement Community
3300 Charles Miller Road
Northbrook Thursday, November 20 2:00–4:00pm Northbrook Senior Living Facility
4501 Concord Lane
Rantoul Tuesday, November 18 1:30–3:00pm Prairie Village
200 International Drive
Urbana Tuesday, November 18 10:00–11:00am Canterbury Ridge
1706 E Amber Lane
Tuesday, December 9 2:00–4:00pm Clark-Lindsey Retirement Community
101 W. Windsor Rd.

Bring your medications or a list of your prescriptions and dosages. Your pharmacist may be able to provide you a printout of your current medications. Trained specialists will put basic information about you and your medications into Medicare’s online drug plan finder and help you compare plan options.

People with Medicare should also be aware of Medicare fraud and identity theft. To help protect Medicare beneficiaries when speaking with plans and others about their Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare urges them to protect their Medicare number as they would their credit card information. People with Medicare should not give their information to anyone who comes to their home (or calls them) uninvited selling Medicare-related products. If you or someone you love is not sure if a provider is approved by Medicare, simply call 1-800-MEDICARE.