Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Enrollment
November 15 kicks off the annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. This period, which concludes on December 31 gives Medicare beneficiaries and people who are eligible for Medicare the opportunity to enroll in Medicare or to change their coverage, including Part D prescription drug coverage. It is the perfect time for beneficiaries to review their plan, compare alternatives and choose the option that best suits their needs.
Current and potential beneficiaries can speak with a Medicare counselor for information about the benefit by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). To prepare for a discussion with a counselor, you should have on hand a list of the prescription drugs you take, including the dosage and frequency, Medicare ID card, and a preferred pharmacy that you use to fill your prescriptions.
For those who may qualify financially for additional help, the Social Security Administration can also provide assistance. Medicare beneficiaries interested in applying for extra help or those who have previously applied and wish to check their status may call
1-800-772-1213 to contact their local Social Security Administration office.
Medicare Drug Benefit Stories
Senior Survey
Survey Shows Seniors Remain Highly Satisfied with Medicare Rx Drug Benefit
Three years after Medicare Part D was made available, seniors enrolled in the program continue to feel extremely positive about it. Ninety percent of seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D are satisfied overall with the program - an increase of 12 percent since the benefit began - according to a new survey commissioned by Medicare Today and conducted by KRC research in September 2008.
How to Enroll
Medicare "Part D" is a collection of prescription drug coverage plans. Finding the plan that best matches your needs is simple, as is enrolling.
About Medicare Today
HLC launched the Medicare Today program in November 2004 to reach out to Medicare beneficiaries who needed reliable information on how to get the greatest value from their Medicare benefits. Medicare Today administers the partnership of over 400 national and local organizations including AARP, American Academy of Family Physicians, and National Alliance for Hispanic Health.
News and Important Dates
- November 12, 2008 - Medicare Today launches national Medicare prescription drug enrollment awareness campaign | Press release | Audio
- November 15, 2008 - Medicare open enrollment period begins
- December 31, 2008 - Medicare open enrollment period ends
- January 1, 2009 - Changes made during open enrollment period take effect
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Medicare Today E-Reminder
This holiday season send your senior friends, family and neighbors a reminder about the Medicare prescription drug annual enrollment period.
Contact
Medicare
Call: 1-800 MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
24 hours/7 Days
Visit: Medicare.gov
Medicare Today
Visit: MedicareToday@hlc.org