Annual opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Starting Monday, November 15, 2010, all Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to make changes to their current health or prescription drug coverage. Annually, during Medicare’s Open Enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can review their current coverage, compare it to other health and prescription policies in their area, and choose the coverage that best meets their needs. All changes must be made by December 31, 2010, and are effective January 1, 2011. This year’s annual enrollment period is also an opportunity to review the new additional benefits the Affordable Care Act provides; a 50% discount on brand name prescription drug costs while in the donut hole, an annual wellness check up, and no co-payments for preventative care.
For more information on available plans and free guidance, Medicare beneficiaries can visit www.medicare.gov to use the Medicare Plan Finder and the Medicare Options Compare tools. Beneficiaries may also want to contact a Pennsylvania APPRISE counselor at 1-800-783-7067. APPRISE is Medicare’s state-based health insurance assistance program that offers local counseling to people on Medicare. If you have additional questions, please call 1-800-Medicare or contact my office at 1-866-461-9159.