Medicare Part D open enrollment has started and runs through the end of the year.
The Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging wants persons who will either sign-up for the first time or amend their choice of plan to think about more than just the premium and the deductible during sign-up.
“We want older adults and persons with disabilities to take into consideration how their premium is paid. Whether it’s a deduction from the monthly Social Security benefit or a debit from a checking account, it is important beneficiaries know the amount and then watch their statements to make certain it is correct,” said Melissa Durr, CEO of the Indiana Association of Area Agencies on Aging (IAAAA).
Durr asked that anyone who suspects Medicare fraud, error or abuse, to report it to their local Area Agency on Aging by calling 1-800-986-3505.
The AAA will file a complaint and forward the information to the appropriate agency for further investigation.
Who is eligible for Medicare Part D?
Everyone with Medicare can get prescription drug coverage. Individuals or persons with disabilities who have Medicare Part A (hospitalization) and/or Part B (medical insurance) can apply during the open enrollment period. If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help from Medicare paying for prescription drug coverage.
About Indiana’s available prescription drug plans
For 2008, there will be 52 prescription drug plans (PDPs) available with 27 offering enhanced benefits or services. It is estimated that everyone with Medicare could switch to a plan with a lower cost premium. Two plans will have premiums under $20; the lowest premium is $17.30. Thirty-one of the 52 plans available have $0 deductibles.
Any questions about eligibility and assistance in signing up can be handled by local Area Agencies on Aging by calling 1-800-986-3505.
The IAAAA, founded in 1978, advocates for quality programs and services for older adults and all persons with disabilities. The IAAAA works with all of the 16 Area Agencies on Aging. The Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) were created by state statute in 1973 to deliver services under the Older Americans Act. AAAs are not-for-profit entities providing services to older adults and persons with disabilities of any age and their caregivers.
Help from Butler students
Is your 2007 Medicare Part D plan still right for 2008? Trained pharmacy and physician assistant students in Butler University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences will sit down with beneficiaries to compare plans and if necessary, enroll them in a new Medicare-approved prescription drug plan for 2008.
This is the third year the college has conducted an enrollment event for the public. Since the program began in 2005, more than 250 students have been trained on the Part D program and through their efforts more than 300 Indiana residents now have access to the medication they require.
The help at Butler will be Saturday, Dec. 1 from 10 a.m.—1 p.m. at the Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 4600 Sunset Ave., Room 106.
Interested parties can call (317) 940-9324 for additional information or directions.
