County Agency To Help Medicare Beneficiaries

Medicare’s next open enrollment period is nearing and Potter County Human Services is resuming its program to help recipients chose among benefit options. Changes for 2012 coverage must be made between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 and many rules have changed. Beneficiaries have likely received letters from their providers.  Among the key points:

• Both Part D and Medicare Advantage plan members must make plan changes during the Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 time frame.

• Medicare’s annual disenrollment period is Jan. 1 to Feb. 15. People with Medicare Advantage plans will only be able to return to Original Medicare and join a stand-alone prescription drug (Part D) plan.

• Potter County APPRISE Program will hold workshops to offer free assistance. Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to set up a counseling appointment; call 544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560. Counselors can answer questions, review current coverage, check qualification for low-income programs, compare plans with all available options, search for specific plans online that meet specific prescription and medical needs; and help beneficiaries enroll in a plan online.

Beneficiaries may also use online tools available at medicare.gov. They can compare cost and coverage information.