Help available for Medicare recipients

The annual Open Enrollment Period for Medicare has rolled around again. Last year at the Area VI Agency on Aging Polson office alone, the agency served more than 300 clients and saved folks approximately $246,000 for 2019. The agency also assists beneficiaries in Lincoln, Mineral and Sanders counties.

Medicare beneficiaries have until Dec. 7 to look over next year’s plans and make changes if they choose. Since Dec. 7 falls on a Saturday this year, Friday Dec. 6 is the last day the Agency on Aging will be able to assist Medicare beneficiaries.

The agency uses the Medicare Planfinder tool at http://www.medicare.gov to determine which is the most economical plan for clients, given their specific prescription needs. You can also access this tool on your own by going to http://www.medicare.gov. Just look for the square button marked “Find Health and Drug Plans.”

 Those who are on Original Medicare have stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). The plans available and the costs change every year. The Agency on Aging reported that they have noticed that one company has changed their plan names, and will automatically roll beneficiaries into a more expensive plan if you do nothing. By the time your new bill arrives in January it will be too late to change.

 Those who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage Plans (MA) have both medical and prescription coverage. Besides using the Planfinder tool to check prescription coverage. The Agency on Aging can also go over a summary of the medical coverage and co-pays for the plans available. The options available for each county and what is included in the prices change every year, as well as the base monthly premium. The agency reminds beneficiaries that you also need to make sure your providers are still in-network for your plan.

 Whether beneficiaries have a PDP or an MA, changes for 2020 must be made by December 7. Open Enrollment does not have any effect on your Medicare parts A and B, according to the Agency on Aging. It also does not affect a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan.

For more information, if you have questions or to schedule an appointment, call (406) 883-7284 or (800) 266-4188.