Organizations across the state remind Wisconsin Seniors to take advantage of new prescription drug plans and benefits before the end of the year
November 15, 2008
More than a dozen organizations from across Wisconsin have once again come together to urge Wisconsinites covered by the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit to take advantage of the open enrollment period that begins on November 15, 2008 and runs through the end of the year.
“With all the new plan and benefit options available, Wisconsin patients have the ability to tailor their benefits to meet their medical and financial needs,” said Jim Hoegemeier of The ARC Wisconsin. “We are encouraging all of our members to go to www.medicare.com or call 1-800-MEDICARE as soon as possible to find the benefit that fits their needs.”
There are 53 different Medicare prescription drug benefit plans available in Wisconsin. Plans contain a variety of co-pays and coverage depending on location and medications covered. Patient can compare plans using the “People Change; Plans Change” enhanced prescription drug plan finder if they haven’t done so already.
In addition, many low income seniors may be able to receive additional help paying for their prescription drugs. To determine eligibility for this benefit, patients can call the Social Security Administration at (800)772-1213 or visit their local Social Security Office.
“There is help available to seniors who need it,” explained Peter Bakken from the Wisconsin Council of Churches. “We hope the open enrollment period will give these folks the opportunity to connect with all the assistance available to them under the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit.”
The Medicare Prescription Drug boasts a more than 80% patient satisfaction rating and now is offering more plans than ever before. Plan details and options are available at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Patients can enroll in new plans now through December 31, 2008.
The Medicare Rx Access Network has re-energized its local partners to prepare Wisconsin seniors for the upcoming November 15th Open Enrollment opportunity for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
More than 870,000 Wisconsinites are currently covered by Medicare. While there are still a few weeks until seniors can make changes to their benefits, Medicare Rx Access Network members are urging their Wisconsinites to prepare now.
“There are new plans and benefits available to seniors,” said Peter Bakken of The Wisconsin Council of Churches. “Seniors should use this time to compare their current coverage to the new benefit options available.”
More than 80% of Medicare Part D Beneficiaries report satisfaction with their current benefits. This number is likely to increase now that patients will have the ability to tailor their plan to meet their changing medical needs.
The Medicare Rx Access Network will spend the next few weeks working with local health providers and community organizations to spread the word about the open enrollment opportunity.
“The Medicare Rx Access Network will be out in the community making sure that seniors are aware not only of the open enrollment period but of all the new options available,” explained Bakken. “Seniors should compare their current plan with new coverage options in their area. People change and so do their medical needs. Patients can now make their benefits work for them.”
Patients should visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Patients can also take advantage of the “People Change; Plans Change” Enhanced Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder. This resource will allow them to easily compare their current coverage to their medical and financial needs to determine the most suitable option available to them in their area.
Seniors with limited income should also take this opportunity to find out if they qualify for additional assistance to cover out-of –pocket prescription drug costs. Local Social Security Offices can help seniors determine if they are eligible for this additional benefit. Seniors can also call the Social Security Administration at (800)772-1213 for further assistance.
“The members of the Medicare Rx Access Network will be at work in our community to connect Wisconsin seniors with these enhanced options,” concluded Bakken. “We will connect seniors with the information and resources they need to make the best decision about the Medicare Part D benefits.”
Patients and providers can visit www.medicare.gov or call 1- (800)-MEDICARE or contact the Wisconsin Prescription Drug Helpline at 1-866-456-8211.
©2008 MedicareRx Access Network. The MedicareRx Access Network works closely with federal and local agencies and partners to educate Medicare beneficiaries about the Medicare prescription drug benefit.