Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan Enrollment and New Benefits
Volunteers Needed:
October 15 through December 7 is the one time of year people can join, switch, or drop a Medicare D Prescription Drug Plan. Many of our most vulnerable neighbors need assistance. That is where you can help. We're looking for volunteers to help! For more information about volunteer please see the attached flyer. See attached flyer for more details (PDF 174.86 KB)
MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG PLAN ENROLLMENT OCT. 15 - DEC. 7, 2011
"Medicare D Annual Enrollment is earlier this year! October 15 through December 7 is the one time of year people can join, switch, or drop a Medicare D Prescription Drug plan. All Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to look at the plans available for 2012 to ensure your plan is still the best for you. Local volunteers can help you find the best plan at the best price.
Call Area 10 on Aging to make your appointment! (812) 876-3383.
Individual appointments will be at the following locations:
• Monroe County Public Library in Bloomington 10/25, 10/3, 11/8, 11/14, 12/5
• Owen County Public Library in Spencer 10/20, 10/27, 11/3, 11/10, 11/17, 12/1
• Cunot Community Center in Poland 10/20, 11/17, 12/7
• Area 10 Agency on Aging in Ellettsville, daily
• City Hall in the Showers Building, daily call (812) 349-3851.
For those interested in learning how to use medicare.gov to find a plan, sign up for a class at the library:
• Monroe County Public Library in Bloomington 11/15, 12/1
• Monroe County Public Library in Ellettsville 11/1, 11/18
The Indiana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) also offers assistance over the phone for homebound individuals. Call 800-452-4800 to receive SHIP assistance.
To compare plans yourself, visit the Medicare website www.medicare.gov
Sponsored by Area 10 Agency on Aging, SHIP, and the City of Bloomington.
If you have questions about the Medicare Part D program, please contact Holly McLauchlin at 812-876-3383, ext. 522, or Nancy Woolery at the City of Bloomington Community & Family Resources Department at 812-349-3851. Open Enrollment 2011 Flyer (PDF 175.65 KB)
Closing the Prescription Drug Coverage Gap for Medicare Part D: What You Need to Know
THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT OF 2010 CONTAINS SOME IMPORTANT BENEFITS FOR MEDICARE RECIPIENTS:
- Most Medicare drug plans have a coverage gap ("the donut hole"). This means that after you and your plan have spent a certain amount for covered drugs, you are responsible to pay all drug costs out-of-pocket (up to a limit). Your monthly Explanation of Benefits notice tells you how much you've spent on covered drug costs and whether you've entered the coverage gap.
- If you have Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and aren't already getting Medicare Extra Help, Medicare will automatically send you a tax free, one-time $250 Rebate check when you reach the coverage gap in 2010, to help with the drugs you must pay for entirely out-of-pocket.
- This is automatic -- there are no forms to fill out. The Office of Medicare will automatically send a check that is made out to you. You DO NOT need to provide any personal information like your Medicare identification number, Social Security number, or bank account number to get the rebate check.
- Checks will be mailed monthly throughout the year as beneficiaries reach the coverage gap. If you don't receive your rebate check at that time, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
- The rebates are processed automatically. Do not give any personal information out on the telephone to anyone who tries to obtain it from you, claiming to be handling the $250 rebate check. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) if you are the victim of a fraudulent phone call.
- Beginning in 2011, seniors in the gap will receive a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs and a 7 percent discount on generic drugs.
- The discounts will increase each year, closing the coverage gap by 2020.