December 4, 2008
The Medicare Prescription Drug Part D annual enrollment period is nearly halfway over – running from November 15 to December 31, 2008. The open enrollment period is an opportunity for seniors to change the prescription drug program under which they are currently enrolled or for those not enrolled in a Part D plan to enroll.
Prior to passage of Medicare Part D, millions of Medicare beneficiaries lacked coverage for their prescriptions. Today, 39 million of the 44 million Medicare beneficiaries now have prescription drug coverage, and as of January, 2008, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid reported over 25 million beneficiaries get their prescription coverage specifically through Medicare Part D. Unfortunately, not all eligible seniors have enrolled in the program. There are many informational resources available to the seniors who wish to enroll.
November 13, 2008
(Springfield, IL) – The Medicare Rx Access Network of Illinois is excited to announce the beginning of the Medicare Part D open enrollment period beginning November 15th and running through December 31st. Medicare Part D beneficiaries are now able to switch their prescription drug plan if there is another plan that better fits their needs and new enrollees are able to join for the first time.
“We have worked hard over the past several weeks to connect with Medicare beneficiaries and provide them with the information and resources necessary to make a decision on their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan,” said Lora Thomas, Executive Director of NAMI Illinois. “Medicare beneficiaries can now choose the plan that works best for their needs and there is still help available for those who have not yet begun comparing plans.”
Patients can visit www.medicare.gov to take advantage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder to easily compare plans and find the best option for their needs or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) toll free at any time of day. Another resource is the Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at 1-800-548-9034. There are several local SHIP offices throughout the state where seniors can set up a one-on-one consultation.
Recent polls consistently show that Medicare Part D enrollees are overwhelmingly satisfied with the coverage they are receiving under the Part D program. Of three polls taken within the past 12 months, 85 percent to 89 percent of Part D enrollees have indicated they are either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their coverage. These findings come from polls conducted by Medicare Today, AARP, and The Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive.
“The Medicare Rx Access Network of Illinois remains committed to sharing resources, coordinating activities and disseminating information to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers about Medicare Part D drug coverage,” concluded Thomas. “We encourage all Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of this open enrollment time to review and compare plans to ensure they have the coverage that best meets their needs.
October 30, 2008
The Medicare Rx Access Network of Illinois has re-energized its local partners to prepare Illinois Medicare beneficiaries for the upcoming November 15th open enrollment opportunity for the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are encouraging new and existing Medicare beneficiaries to begin comparing benefits to find the plan best tailored to their individual needs.
“There are new plans and benefits available to Medicare beneficiaries,” said Michael Patton, Executive Director of the Illinois Pharmacists Association. “Seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries should use this time to compare their current coverage to the new benefit options available. While pharmacists are not permitted to enroll or recommend a plan, they are happy to provide patients with the resources necessary to learn about their options.”
Patients should visit www.medicare.gov to take advantage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder to easily compare plans and find the best option for their needs or they can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Another resource is the Illinois Senior Health Insurance Program at 1-800-548-9034.
Medicare beneficiaries are also eligible for extra help if they have limited income and resources. The Low Income Subsidy can increase their cost savings by paying for part of the monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments under the new prescription drug program. The extra help could be worth up to $3,600 per year.
“The Medicare Rx Access Network will be out in the community making sure that Medicare beneficiaries are aware not only of the open enrollment period but of all the new options available,” concluded Patton. “People change and so do their medical needs. Beneficiaries should compare their current plan with new coverage options in their area. We’ll continue working to connect Medicare beneficiaries with the information and resources they need to make the best decision about the Medicare Part D benefits.”
©2008 MedicareRx Access Network. The MedicareRx Access Network works closely with federal and local agencies and partners to educate Medicare beneficiaries about the Medicare prescription drug benefit.