The gift that keeps on giving: Medicare open enrollment period ends December 31
Bargain-hunting season is upon us again — not just in the malls, but also as millions of seniors consider their Medicare options for the coming year. Open Enrollment began on November 15th, and choosing health and prescription drug plans may be the most important buying decision made by savvy shoppers this holiday season. It pays to shop around — Medicare prescription drug plans are designed to help cover the costs of medications for everyone enrolled, but not all plans are the same.
You have until December 31st to make your choice. If you are one of the 8 million American women living with heart disease, then you need to think carefully about which plan will be best for you. Here are some simple steps to help you make an informed decision:
- Medicare beneficiaries should review their Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) and drug coverage (Part D) and compare the benefits of the different plans being offered in your state. Even if you like your current plan, you should still give it a careful look, because it may have changes and costs increases coming in 2010.
- Has anything changed since last year? Are you taking new medications or seeing a different specialist? If so, then you need to check that your prescriptions are covered by the plan and that your physician is accepting Medicare patients.
- Check for special requirements. For example, some policies may restrict access to specific drugs by requiring "step therapy" (trying and failing on a less expensive drug before being allowed a more expensive drug).
- Make sure that your preferred doctors, hospitals, and drugs are still associated with any plan you choose.
- Before making your final decision, go to www.medicare.gov or call 1.800.MEDICARE to review prescription drug plans. Ask a family member or friend to help you compare plans.
Give yourself the gift of good health in 2010 — be informed, be savvy, but, most of all, be healthy!
