Help available for seniors during Medicare enrollment

Editor's Note: Medicaid was changed to Medicare in the first sentence below. Medicare D also was added to the second sentence.

Wednesday marked the first day of the Medicare open enrollment period, and agencies are offering help to those who need it.

The open enrollment period for Medicare D, for people age 65 and older, remains open until Dec. 7.

During that time, people may review the details of existing plans, such as monthly premiums, copays and deductibles, then determine whether they need to switch. It's also an opportunity to enroll for the first time.

Coverage starts Jan. 1 for those who enroll in a plan during the fall period.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services encourages everyone with an existing plan to use the two-month period for review.

"Medicare plans' coverage options and costs can change each year, and Medicare beneficiaries should evaluate their current coverage and choices, and select the plan that best meets their needs," stated a CMS news release. "If people with Medicare are satisfied with their current coverage and feel it will meet their needs for 2015, they do not need to do anything."

CMS also expects Medicare Advantage enrollment to reach an all-time high in 2015, with more than 16 million beneficiaries, marking the fifth consecutive year of enrollment growth for such plans. A Medicare Advantage plan is typically offered by a private company that contracts with Medicare. Medicare services are covered through the plan but are not paid for under original Medicare.

The average Medicare Advantage premium for 2015 is projected to be $44.90, according to CMS. It also estimates the average basic Medicare prescription drug premium plan to be $32 a month next year.

For those with questions about their plans or enrollment, visit medicare.gov. The official U.S. Government site for Medicare has additional links for choosing the most appropriate plan and ways to reduce costs.

Those who wish to enroll in a new plan also may call 1-800-MEDICARE.

The Missouri Department of Insurance is offering free help to seniors who want to review their plans, change their drug coverage or enroll for the first time.

The state's Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri program is offering opportunities to meet in person or talk on the phone.

Counselors can help low-income residents determine if they qualify for federal or state assistance in paying for prescription drugs. Interested residents can call 800-390-3330 or visit missouriclaim.org for help.

A few services also are available locally.

Broadway Prescription Shop in Cape Girardeau offers Medicare Part D counseling to help answer questions about the prescription coverage plan. Those who wish to speak with a specialist to review and find the appropriate plan may call 335-8207.

The APPLE Paperwork Project from Southeast Missouri State University's Department of Human Environmental Studies also offers assistance. It's an outreach program for area adults age 60 and older designed to assist with counseling, advocacy, education and paperwork needs. The APPLE Project has partnered with Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri (CLAIM) to host a Medicare open enrollment event at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center, 921 N. Clark St., from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 23.

CLAIM will host a number of open enrollment events in the area throughout October. A schedule with each event's time and location is available at missouriclaim.org/events. Those who wish to attend the events must schedule an appointment by calling 651-5467.

srinehart@semissourian.com

388-3641

Pertinent address:

710 Broadway St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

921 N. Clark St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.

711 N. Clark St., Cape Girardeau, Mo.