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Medicare Part D Open Enrollment

By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-11-19 16:30:07.809779-05:00

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Once again it is time to enroll in a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. It is also the time to evaluate your current plan and, if necessary, switch to a different plan that better meets your needs.

Open enrollment begins Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31 for coverage starting Jan. 1, 2008. People are urged to make their decision early in December to allow for the timely processing of their applications.

"If you are satisfied with your current plan you do not have to do anything," said Sarah Jennings, AARP South Dakota State Director. "It is important to review your coverage each year and make sure your current coverage meets your needs, or compare it against other plans to make sure you're getting the most for your money."

Even those with drug coverage can find ways to save even more.

"Because prescription drugs costs so much, AARP wants to help South Dakotans become wiser consumers," said Jennings "Don't let advertising lead you to believe you need the advertised brand name drug, which may be the most expensive. Talk to your physician or pharmacist about alternatives."

Here are 5 more tips to help you keep drug costs down:

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about alternatives to high priced drugs. See if there is a generic equivalent for your prescription. Generic medicine can help you save money and give you the same quality benefits of brand name drugs.
• Do your homework. Use the drug comparison Web site at www.aarp.org/comparedrugs to find current options for treating conditions and average drug costs. Or order the print "Know Your Rx Options" brochures. Discuss these options with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Take all medications as prescribed. Skipping doses or not filling the orders your doctors prescribe can lead to prolonged illness and relapses.
• Keep a record of the prescription drugs you take and dosage, include over the counter and dietary supplements. Share this information with your doctors and pharmacists. They can help identify duplicative prescriptions and help you avoid any adverse reactions. Order a Personal Medication Record at www.aarp.org/healthorderform.
• Use mail order to get a 90 day supply of the medications you take on an on-going basis.

If you are in Medicare, and you do not have drug coverage, consider enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan. You could face a late enrollment penalty if you wait and enroll later than when you were first eligible.

Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE for information on plans offered in your area. Those with lower incomes can qualify for extra help in paying all or part of the monthly plan premiums and co-payments.

To find out if you meet the income guidelines for extra help, contacting the Social Security Administration at: 1-800-772-1213.

If you have high drug costs, and you do not qualify for Medicare's low income subsidy, look into a Medicare Part D plan that provides drug coverage that extends into the coverage gap.

Contact Shiine, (Senior Health Information and Insurance Education,) at 1-800-536-8197, or your local County Extension Office for assistance in reviewing your Medicare Part D coverage or to enroll in a Part D plan.