Medicare open enrollment assistance available

Press release

Medicare’s annual open enrollment is in full swing, with people having until Dec. 7 to review and, if desired, change their Madicare drug plan or Medicare health — Advantage — plan.

The most important thing people can ask themselves is, “How well has my current plan been serving me?” The annual open enrollment is the opportunity for people to review the medications and other services their plan covers. The main reason to review the plan annually is to make certain the plan is best for the person’s need at the coast.

New or revised plan benefits go into effect Jan. 1.

For people who are computer savvy, the planfinder is a good tool to find the best drug or health plan. People can go to medicare.gov for enrollment and other plan information. People can enter their information into the Medicare database and planfinder will identify the services and plans that would best benefit them.

For people who prefer individualized assistance, SHIP Counselors are available to help Medicare beneficiaries during the annual open enrollment period. People can contact their local SHIP Counselor by calling the North Central Senior Center at 265-5464. the counselor can help people with the process. People are advised to make an appointment early.

To be prepared for the appointment, people should bring:

• Their Medicare card and

• A list of the medications they are on, preferably a printout from their pharmacy to ensure accuracy,

Medicare coverage can be costly at times, especially when people are on a low or fixed income and if they are taking expensive medications. Programs are available to help people who meet the eligibility criteria.

• MSP stands for Medicare Savings Program, which could pay the monthly premium for Medicare Part B. People who are eligible for this program can save money to put toward other expenses.

• LIS stands for Low Income Subsidy. This program helps Medicare beneficiaries with their monthly Pard D prescription drug coverage. It uses a national benchmark to determine the standard premium, which is adjusted annually, Because of the annual adjustment, it is important for people to check every year. The program can help pay the monthly premium, help with co-pays related to their Part D plan and can help beneficiaries purchase their medication at a lower price.

Contacting the local SHIP Counselor allows them to help people with Medicare issues as well as identifying other programs that could help.

For more information on the program, people can visit the SHIP website at dphhs.mt.gov.SLTC/aging/SHIP.

People also can catch the Aging Horizon Segment on Medicare Open Enrollment at dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/aginghorizons/showschedule.