From October 15 through December 7th, you can make changes to your Medicare plan that will be effective January 1st.
This year there are some significant changes. The zero dollar premium Part D plan will now have a premium of $9.60. In our area, there are ten prescription drug plans available from 5 companies. The premiums and deductibles increased for most plans. It is very important that you read the Annual Notice of Change document that was mailed to you in September. This document is VERY IMPORTANT because it outlines what is changing.
Medicare Advantage plans also have changes. Many plans increased their maximum out of pocket amount. Most added a deductible on prescription medications which often applies only to drugs in tiers 3-5. There are also some significant differences in the extra benefits (hearing, vision, dental, fitness, transportation, meals, pharmacy cards, flex cards). Some PPO plans are leaving the market. If you are impacted, you may be moved into Original Medicare but may not have prescription drug coverage as of January 1st. It is extremely important that you read your Annual Notice of Change or take it to a trusted advisor for a review.
Remember to be careful of Medicare fraud. Use caution when answering your phone and/or talking to individuals trying to sell you a new Medicare plan. You have until December 7th to make changes. While this is a busy season, please talk to a trusted advisor early to get the help and counseling you need.
Watch for additional information when counselors from Missouri SHIP will be available for presentations, questions, or one-on-one counseling sessions. You can always call Missouri SHIP at 1-800-390-3330 and a counselor will return your call.
Please reach out early so all your questions can be answered in a timely manner.
Rebecca, a Counselor from MissouriSHIP, can be reached directly at 636-344-0628, or, you can call 1-800-390-3330 to arrange for a phone consultation with Rebecca or another counselor.
–Rebecca Pogorzelski, R.Ph., Pharm.D, Certified Counselor MissouriSHIP
Comments 11
Daphne Phillips
Thanks for the info 🙂
Brenda Morgan
Very good information.
redie
thanks for the good reading
margaret
thanks for info it was so helpful
Leander Beatty Jr.
Thank you for this excellent information.
Janet Ward
Thanks for the information
JACKIE SHELBY
Very good info unfortunately I only have Part A
Carlyn Webber
Excellent information! I’ll contact Rebecca regarding adviced as I have a unique situation.
Arlen Chaleff
Thank you for reminding me now!
Delbert Grover
Thanks for the information!
Donna W
Thank you for this valuable information.