Kansas Medicare enrollment 2010

Monday marks the first day of the Medicare Part D enrollment and re-enrollment period.
Medicare beneficiaries currently enrolled or wanting to enroll in a Medicare Part D program need to enroll between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31 to avoid penalties.

“Medicare beneficiaries will continue to have a wide range of health and drug plan options in 2010, including Original Medicare,” Jonathan Blum, director of the Center for Medicare Management and the acting director of the Center for Drug and Health Plan Choice said in a press release. “Open Enrollment is the time for those with Medicare to double-check that they have the best coverage for their individual needs. They may find that they like what they have, or may find a coverage option that better fits their needs.”

During the enrollment period, Medicare beneficiaries can make changes in their Medicare prescription drug and health coverage. In 2010, Kansas Medicare beneficiaries will have access to 46 different prescription drug plans. Many of the plans have made changes in their coverage and 17 percent of the plans that contracted with Medicare in 2009 will not be available in 2010. According to the Kansas Department of Aging, about 7,000 Kansans are enrolled in plans that will not be available in 2010. Residents enrolled in programs that will have changes in 2010 should have received notice of the changes. Beneficiaries are encouraged to review their current policy to make sure their prescriptions are still covered by their plan.

In addition, those already covered by Medicare can enroll in a prescription drug plan during the open enrollment period.

Medicare offers a low-income subsidy to residents that qualify. Residents can contact their local Social Security office or contact the national Social Security office at (800)772-1213 to see if they qualify for additional help. Medicare does offer nine prescription drug plans that have a zero-dollar premium with low-income assistance.
Medicare beneficiaries can use a variety of resources and tools to review their current plan, research other prescription plans and compare plans against one another.

The McPherson Senior Center offers consultations to Medicare recipients. The center has two SHICK—Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)— certified counselors that can work with beneficiaries. To schedule an appointment contact the McPherson Senior Center at 241-1848.

Recipients can also speak with a Medicare representative at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to review plans and compare coverage. Medicare customer service representatives are available 24-hours a day/7 days a week with multiple language options and resources for people with disabilities.

The Medicare Web site (www.medicare.gov) also has information about the different Medicare Part D plans and allows beneficiaries to compare different plans to see which  best fits their needs.
“It is important that Kansans look at the various plans each year, even if they have been happy with their current plan,” said acting Secretary of Aging Martin Kennedy. “Plans can change from year to year so beneficiaries need to make sure their plan still meets their needs,”

Judd
2009-11-15
And does open enrollment count if you are older than 65?

Blue Enrollment
2009-11-15
You may request the Prescription Blue PDPSM enrollment form in alternative formats by calling 1-877-469-2583 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. TTY users should call 1-800-481-8704). Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in Prescription Blue PDPSM through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Online Enrollment Center, located at medicare.gov.

kansas medicare facts
2009-11-15
Fast Facts for Kansas in 2010 • 46 Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) available • 84% of people with Medicare have prescription drug coverage (including 61% with Part D) • 28% of people with Part D get Extra Help (also called the low-income subsidy, or LIS) • 100% of people with Medicare have access to a MA plan for a $0 premium • 100% of people with Medicare have access to a MA plan with maximum out-of-pocket cost limit less than or equal to $3,400 • 18 PDPs have $0 deductibles • $19.00 is the lowest monthly premium for a PDP • $65.30 is the lowest monthly premium for a PDP with any generic coverage in the Coverage Gap • 9 PDPs have a premium of $0 for people who qualify for Extra Help Plan costs and coverage change each year, so all people with Medicare should check to make sure their plan still meets their needs and budget. There may be a Medicare health or drug plan available with better coverage or a lower deductible in 2010.

medicare help
2009-11-15
There are many sources on medicare. For help, call 1-800-MEDICARE, visit www.medicare.gov, or talk to one of Medicare’s community partners.

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