Medicare Deadline Wednesday; Help Available

Medicare’s annual enrollment period is nearing and Potter County Area Agency on Aging personnel remain available to help recipients chose among benefit options. Changes for 2012 coverage must be made no later than Wednesday, Dec. 7, and many rules have changed.

Both Part D and Medicare Advantage plan members must make plan changes by that time. 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.

Workshops continue this week at area senior centers. Final two sessions are on Monday, Dec. 5, at Shinglehouse (9:30 to 1:30) and Tuesday, Dec. 6, at Ulysses (9:30 to 1:30). 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.