Window Shuts on December 31 for Making Changes in
Medicare Coverage
New window opens January 1 for changes in Medicare
Advantage plans
Dec. 29, 2008 Attention last minute shoppers, the
window for making changes to your Medicare prescription drug and health
care coverage is about to slam shut. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid
Services closes this opportunity at the end of the day on December 31.
CMS has issued a final appeal for senior citizens
to review their current coverage to ensure it meets their needs for
2009. Many plans are substantially increasing fees for the new year.
Part B, one of four Medicare parts, covers some
medical expenses not covered by Part A - doctors fees,
outpatient hospital visits, and other medical services and supplies
Beneficiaries who wish to enroll for the first time
or change their coverage for 2009 should do so as soon as possible to
ensure a smooth transition in the new year, says the CMS news release.
Many beneficiaries will see changes in their
current plans costs and coverage for 2009, so its important that
people with Medicare take advantage of the enhanced tools CMS has
provided to review the coverage and costs of their health or drug plans
for next year, said Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator.
Medicares annual open enrollment period began on
Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31.
New Window Opens for Medicare Advantage
In addition, for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans
only, beneficiaries can make one change in enrollment - enrolling in a
new plan, changing plans or canceling a plan - between January 1 and
March 31, 2009.
However, the Medicare Advantage open enrollment
period cannot be used to start or stop Medicare drug coverage, or to
enroll or disenroll in a Medicare Medical Savings Account plan.
CMS encourages beneficiaries to use online tools
available at
www.medicare.gov (the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder or
Medicare Options Compare for health coverage) to review coverage options
for 2009.
Beneficiaries can compare cost and coverage
information on prescription drug plans and MA plans serving their area
by entering their Medicare number, age, health status, local pharmacy,
and their current prescriptions.
Beneficiaries without Web access can get the same
information provided by the online personalized plan comparison tools by
calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
The 2009 Medicare & You handbook, mailed to
beneficiaries in October, includes tips on selecting a plan and an
overview of plan options.
Beneficiaries already enrolled in an MA plan or
prescription drug plan should have received an Annual Notice of Change
from their health or drug plan describing any changes in the costs and
benefits of their current drug plan from this year to next year.
CMS says to take maximum advantage of the
assistance available from Medicare, beneficiaries and their family
members should follow these tips before calling 1-800-MEDICARE
(1-800-633-4227, TTY: 1-877-486-2048) during the current open enrollment
period for Medicare health and prescription drug plans:
● Write down in advance any questions you want
to ask along with information about your current health or prescription
drug plan;
● Have your current medications in front of
you; and
● Have your Medicare card handy.
Medicare has more than 4,000customer service
operators available in six toll-free call centers located across the
United States who are prepared to provide help in English and Spanish.
Beneficiaries should not wait any longer to review
their drug coverage, said Weems. CMS has worked hard to provide
readily accessible information for beneficiaries, their families and
caregivers, and we encourage everyone to use this information to achieve
peace of mind throughout the next year by making the coverage decision
that will best meet their needs.
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
Dec.
15, 2008