Where to get help on Medicare Part D

It seems pretty clear that the CMS prescription drug tool isn’t working to help seniors decide whether to enroll in Part D and if so, which plan is best for them.  This isn’t surprising given the abysmal record of CMS so far in the Part D rollout.   HHS head Michael Leavitt says “a lot of things in life are complicated”…well, so they are, but when smart, competent seniors can’t use the “tool” to find a single plan that works for them, something is seriously wrong with the tool, not with the seniors.

At any rate, I recommend that if you’re frustrated with CMS and its inability to serve your needs, look for other sources of information (and then write your congresspersons to complain).  Most states have helplines, counseling centers, or other ways that seniors can get the assistance they need.  Many advocacy groups have websites that provide general information as well as some state specific advice.  The truth is that a great many of those 65+ won’t benefit at all from Part D and should stick with what they have.  But if you don’t know for sure if you’re in that cohort, look for an advocacy organization in your state. or a state agency such as your Department of Aging or human services agency, that has developed tools for evaluating your Part D options.  Some examples:

    Illinois:  Medicare Interactive, from the IL Dept. of Aging.

    Minnesota: Minnesota Senior Federation’s Part D information page.

    In Wisconsin:  SHIBA Helpline, 1-800-562-6900. Medicare Part D Disability Drug Benefit Helpline Project ,1 (800) 926-4862

And watch out for commercial sites that are just trying to sell you their particular plan.  Stick with official state sites or those of established senior and disability advocacy groups.

I’ll post more state resources in the coming days.