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Help available for Medicare enrollment
| Article published on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009 |
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St. Petersburg – With the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period continuing through Dec. 31, now is a good time for seniors to review their current health care and prescription drug coverage.
The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc is a local source for information and assistance to help them through this important period in Medicare. The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc., in partnership with the Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) program, are reminding Florida Medicare beneficiaries to carefully evaluate their health care needs and seek assistance as needed with preparing for the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period.
With so many options among Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans, which vary by location, it is important for seniors to understand what options are available to them. Medicare beneficiaries who have questions or concerns about the upcoming Medicare Annual Enrollment Period have a place to turn and get objective assistance with comparing plans.
Specially trained SHINE volunteer counselors provide free information and assistance at several locations throughout Pasco and Pinellas Counties. SHINE volunteer counselors will be offering information and assistance regarding the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. Consumers can speak to a volunteer by phone. Subject to availability, outreach sites are open where an in person appointment can be scheduled.
Call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) and ask to be connected with a SHINE counselor.
Individuals interested in getting help comparing plans should be ready to bring to their counseling appointment important information about their health and prescription drug coverage. To provide the best assistance, SHINE volunteers will need a list of medications the individual takes, a list of providers he or she wants to use (e.g., doctor or pharmacy), and any notices from an existing plan (i.e., Annual Notice of Change), Social Security, or Medicare about changes to costs and coverage for next year.
SHINE volunteers are also conducting educational presentations regarding Medicare Part D changes and options for senior groups, churches or other organizations, and will be available after each presentation to answer questions. It is important to request a presentation early; as the Annual Enrollment Period draws near, SHINE counselors may not be available except through one-on-one counseling appointments. To request a presentation, call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337).
SHINE is a free service of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, operated locally through the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco- Pinellas, Inc. SHINE provides free and unbiased Medicare information and counseling. For more information or to learn how you can volunteer, please call the Elder Helpline toll-free at 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) or visit www.FloridaSHINE.org.
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Article published on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009
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