Medicare Counseling Sessions Resume In County

Medicare’s enrollment period is now open and Potter County Human Services is resuming its program to help recipients chose among benefit options. Changes for 2012 coverage must be made no later than 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 before Dec. 7.

• 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 at local senior centers 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. Each session is scheduled from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. Remaining schedule is as follows:

–Ulysses, Nov. 2, Nov. 21, Dec. 6;

–Shinglehouse, Nov. 16, Dec. 5;

–Coudersport, Nov. 3, Nov. 18, Dec. 1;

–Galeton, Nov. 4, Nov. 17, Dec. 2;

–Roulette (Human Services Building, 9:30 to 2), Nov. 14, Nov. 30.

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