Offline
My Badges
Create The Good
Create The Good
Background
Name: AARP
Location:
Louisville, Kentucky
United States
Quote:
"I, too, am a Kentuckian." Abraham Lincoln - 1861 16th President of the United States Born February 12, 1809 in Hardin County, Kentucky

About Me

AARP Kentucky serves the state's 493,000 members and supports 27 local AARP Chapters. AARP Kentucky state office is committed to serving all generations and helping communities become more livable as we age, advocating in the state legislature in the areas of consumer protection, health care and long-term care. We provide education and community service through our Chapters, Tax-Aide and Drivers Safety programs. AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization dedicated to making life better for all people as they age. We provide information and resources; engage in legislative advocacy; assist members in serving their communities; and offer a wide range of unique benefits, special products, and services for our members. Come back often and check for updates. AARP Kentucky news, activities and volunteer opportunities will be published on this site and updated frequently. Thank you for visiting AARP Kentucky State Office.

Interests:
HealthActionNow.org is an effort by AARP to urge Congress and the Obama Administration to work together to pass meaningful health reform - now!

My Photos (305)

My Videos (21)

My Journals (80)

Medicare Open Enrollment Begins, Time to Compare
 
November 15 marks the beginning of Medicare’s open enrollment period, AARP is reminding its members and all older Americans to compare their current Medicare drug and health plans with others that are available and choose the one that best fits their needs.  People in Medicare have until December 31 to add, drop or change prescription drug and health care plans for 2010.  Each year, AARP encourages its members and everyone in Medicare to carefully consider their options for the coming year.
 
AARP suggests that seniors pay particular attention to changes in the cost of Part D drug coverage.  A new AARP Public Policy Institute (PPI) analysis of 2010 Medicare Part D prescription drug plans finds a majority of the most popular national plans have increased premiums and cost-sharing for next year.
 
The report finds that more plans will require copayments of close to $100 for some brand name drugs.  Other plans will require enrollees to pay a percentage of their drugs’ prices—instead of fixed copayments—for all medicines except generics.  One popular national plan will charge different amounts depending on which pharmacies its customers use.
 
“Even those seniors who are happy with their current drug coverage should watch carefully for changes to their plans in 2010,” said AARP Senior Vice President Cheryl Matheis.  “Each year the rising costs of prescription drugs help push premiums and cost-sharing even higher.  Now is the time to talk with your doctor about lower-cost medicines that may be right for you.  Then, take a close look at your coverage options and find a plan that best fits your needs and your budget.”
 
AARP encourages older Americans shopping for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage to use the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov.  This online tool finds plans based on a person’s location and current medications.  After receiving a list of available plans, AARP recommends considering the “Four C’s”:
  • Costs, including the monthly premium, the annual deductible and cost-sharing.
  • Coverage for as many of your drugs as possible, which could save a person from paying more out of pocket.
  • Convenience of participating pharmacy locations or access to mail-order pharmacies.
  • Customer Service.  Check Medicare.gov, which includes quality ratings for plans.  Ask you doctors, pharmacist and friends about their experiences.
 The open enrollment period is also an opportunity for people in Medicare to shop for Medicare Advantage plans, which generally combine traditional Medicare benefits with prescription drug coverage and some supplemental benefits.  People in Medicare can compare Medicare Advantage plans head-to-head by using the health plan finder at www.medicare.gov.  Seniors who need help finding a prescription drug or Medicare Advantage plan can also contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.
 
“Whether you’re looking to move up to a more comprehensive plan, or just looking for the best price, now is the time to shop,” Matheis added.  “Making a smart decision now can pay off big next year.”
 
The December edition of AARP Bulletin looks at trends in Medicare drug plan costs for 2010.  Its web site also provides a step-by-step guide to comparing drug plans and finding the best plan for you.  The guide is available at http://bulletin.aarp.org/yourhealth/medicare/articles/quick_route_through_the_medicare_drug_plan_finder_2010.html.
 
AARP’s fact sheet on 2010 Part D plans is available at http://www.aarp.org/research/ppi/health-care/medicare/articles/fs161-medicare.html.
Added: November 18, 2009
Views: 33 | Comments: 0 | Bookmarks: 0
melbarray says:

Fancy Farm is a small community in rural Western KY, in which the local Catholic School and neighborhood has an annual picnic with delicious barB-Q plus other absolutely great foods, sold to raise money for the School. It has become a traditional to have politicians attending giving speeches to the crown, before elections, or just to address the people with their views on various topics. It's been a good thing for years, but recently the past couple years, that is, it's become pretty contraversial with rowdy shouting people in the crowd, and kind of disrespectful etc. So much bad publicity has caused some Politicians to have boycotted recent picnics, I understand. It is still known as a popular "stumping" area to local folks. Hope this answers your question.
Posted: August 17, 2009 6:57PM EDT
Betsy says:

Hey, nice photos, but , what's Fancy Farm? Where exactly??
Posted: January 9, 2008 4:58PM EST
Add your Comments:

  Submit