Medicare open enrollment begins today; caveat enrollee!!
Medicare Part D enrollment begins today for 2008; enrollees need to pay close attention to what they’re signing up for. Many plans have changed formularies; premiums will increase by as much as
A selection of stories on Part D enrollment:
Enrollment period opens for Medicare Part D
If you’re satisfied with your current plan, don’t be too smug. Staying put may cost you next year. ”
“Medicare drug plans are a moving target,” said Robert Hayes, presidentof the Medicare Rights Center, a consumer advocacy group. “Youshouldn’t assume your coverage will remain the same in 2008 if you stayin your present plan.” A drug plan that worked well thisyear may be more expensive or cover different medications next year, hesaid. Seniors and people with disabilities now receivingthe drug benefit should have received a letter from their plansoutlining any changes for 2008. If they haven’t been notified, theyshould call their plans at once, Mr. Hayes said.
Dallas Morning News, http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/bus/stories/111507dnbusenroll.250a291.html
Seniors urged to research their drug plans
Seniors who struggled to choose from about 50 plans two years agowhen the program started have mostly stayed put. But even Medicareofficials say sticking with the same plan may not be the best financialor health decision. “You should takethis time and get a checkup for your plan and make sure that you’re inthe right plan,” says Kerry Weems, acting administrator of the Centersfor Medicare and Medicaid Services. Dozensof seniors took the opportunity to do just that Wednesday at theHoliday Park Senior Center in Wheaton, Md. It was one of several stopsWeems and other Medicare officials made as part of a press tour in agiant Medicare bus. Souad Shammasshowed up to find out if there might be a better drug plan for her,”because I have exhausted all my money with AARP and now I am payingfrom my pocket 100 percent.”
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=16308485
Medicare Part D choices in 2008 cover 151 plans
Advocates urge beneficiaries enrolled in the federal insurance program covering drug expenses to compare the numerous plans because costs and coverage are changing. Starting today, about 740,000 older or disabled Minnesotans can enroll in one of 151 competing Medicare Part D drug insurance plans for 2008. About 80 percent of them are enrolled this year in a Part D plan or have equivalent coverage from former employers or the Veterans Administration. But with costs and coverage changing as the drug benefit enters its third year, those with a 2007 plan should shop around during the open enrollment period ending Dec. 31, say Medicare officials and advocates for beneficiaries. In addition, the 60,000 Minnesotans enrolled in Medicare Advantage fee-for-service plans — which combine health care and drug coverage — will find their insurance not honored by HealthPartners or Park Nicollet Health Services health providers next year. Park Nicollet sent notices about the change to 2,200 patients last week. Other providers are considering a similar move. The 34 fee-for-service plans available for 2008 allow a patient to see any doctor who accepts the plan.
Minneapolis Star-Tribune, http://www.startribune.com/462/story/1551613.html