This is the final segment in a three-part series that discusses the Medicare open enrollment period for Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. Be sure to check out Part I and Part II in the series.
As you know, the Medicare annual open enrollment period began on November 15, 2010 and runs through December 31, 2010. This is the only opportunity you will have to make changes to your Medicare plans for 2011 so it is essential to take advantage of this time frame.
The health care reform act has changed Medicare coverage. Thus it is particularly important to do your homework for your 2011 Medicare coverage.
The changes include:
- Starting in 2011, Medicare participants will be able to receive preventive services like mammograms and colonoscopies for free.
- The prescription drug coverage gap known as the “donut hole” will decrease until it is eliminated in 2020. This year, eligible participants who hit the donut hole received a $250 rebate check. Next year, participants will receive a 50 percent discount on the brand name prescription drugs they purchase when they hit the donut hole.
- Free annual wellness check ups starting in 2011.
Many Medicare plans change or are eliminated every year. But this year there are an exceptional number of plans that will be discontinued. Even those with plans that are continuing should be carefully evaluated to ensure they cover the medications you need and that you can afford the premiums, deductibles and co-pays.
Resources for Medicare Beneficiaries
- Visit www.medicare.gov. Personalized comparisons of costs and coverage plans available in your area. Multilingual Open Enrollment information and counseling is available.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for around-the-clock assistance to find out more about coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
- Review the 2011 Medicare & You handbook. It is also accessible at www.medicare.gov and has been mailed to the homes of people with Medicare benefits.
- Contact your local Elder Service Plan (ESP) for free one-on-one assistance. In the Somerville/Cambridge area your local Elder Service Plan is Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services, 61 Medford Street, Somerville, MA 02143-3429, 617-628-2601.
- Get one-on-one counseling assistance from the local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Local SHIP contact information can be found:
- At http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/organization-search-criteria.asp
- On the back of the 2011 Medicare & You handbook or;
- By calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY, 1-877-486-2048)
- Through a listing of national stand-alone prescription drug plans and state specific fact sheets can be found at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/openenrollment.asp
###
Michelle Mulvena is an attorney at Moschella & Winston, a law firm specializing in legal planning and protection for individuals and families for over 30 years. She is also host of the Somerville Cable TV show, “Legally Speaking with Michelle Mulvena.” Please contact her at mm@moschellawinston.com or (617) 776-3300.
