Dear Margaret,

I am confused about the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. If I like the plan that I am on now, can I stay on it and leave well enough alone?

Signed,
Need Help with Prescription Costs

Dear Need Help with Prescription Costs,

It is time to reevaluate your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Every January, the plans offered through Medicare Part D change, and consumers need to review their plan EACH YEAR in order to make sure they are signed up for the best plan possible. 

Open enrollment for the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan is from Nov. 15 – Dec. 31.  During this time period, consumers can go to www.medicare.gov ^[1]  or call 1-800-MEDICARE to compare plans for the coming year. New coverage begins on Jan. 1, but the changes have to be made between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31. 

Locally, The Season’s Club at McKee Medical Center is helping people compare plans – call (970) 635-4097 for an appointment. The Aspen Club at Poudre Valley Hospital is also hosting several days when people can make an appointment to meet one on one with someone to compare the plans. For more information or to make an appointment, call (970) 495-8560 (Fort Collins), (970) 624-1860 (Loveland), (970) 586-2996 (Estes Park). 

Assistance with paying for premiums, deductibles and co-payments is available for individuals with incomes below $1,320/month and assets less than $12,910, or for couples with incomes below $1,770/month and assets less than $25,010. In order to be approved for “Extra Help”, a person needs to fill out an application through the Social Security office. Contact your local Social Security office at (970) 482-5130 ext. 206 for more information.

Whatever you do, don’t sit back!  Now is the time to review your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for 2009.