November 13, 2008
(Sioux Falls, SD) – The Medicare Rx Access Network of South Dakota is excited to announce the beginning of the Medicare Part D open enrollment period beginning November 15th and running through December 31st. Medicare Part D beneficiaries are now able to switch their prescription drug plan if there is another plan that better fits their need and new enrollees are able to join for the first time.
“We have worked hard over the past several weeks to connect with Medicare beneficiaries and provide them with the information and resources necessary to make a decision on their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan,” said Carletta Hauck, Executive Director of the South Dakota Academy of Family Physicians. “Medicare beneficiaries can now choose the plan that works best for their needs and there is still help available for those who have not yet begun comparing plans.”
Patients can visit www.medicare.gov to take advantage of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder to easily compare plans and find the best option for their needs or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) toll free at any time of day. Another resource is the South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) at 1-800-536-8197. There are several local SHIINE offices throughout the state where seniors can set up a one-on-one consultation.
Recent polls consistently show that Medicare Part D enrollees are overwhelmingly satisfied with the coverage they are receiving under the Part D program. Of three polls taken within the past 12 months, 85 percent to 89 percent of Part D enrollees have indicated they are either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their coverage. These findings come from polls conducted by Medicare Today, AARP, and The Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive.
“The Medicare Rx Access Network of South Dakota remains committed to sharing resources, coordinating activities and disseminating information to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers about Medicare Part D drug coverage,” said Rochelle Borrell, Coordinator of the Medicare Rx Access Network of South Dakota. “We encourage all Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of this open enrollment time to review and compare plans to ensure they have the coverage that best meets their needs.”
October 30, 2008
Pierre, SD - The Medicare Rx Access Network has re-energized its local partners to prepare South Dakota seniors for the upcoming Medicare Part D - Open Enrollment opportunity that runs November 15th through December 31st.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 85,000 South Dakota senior are currently enrolled in a Medicare Part D Stand-Alone or Medicare Advantage plan. While there are still a few weeks until seniors can make changes to their benefits, Medicare Rx Access Network members are urging their South Dakotans to prepare now.
“There are new plans and benefits available to seniors,” said Scott Graff, CEO of the Community Healthcare Association of the Dakotas. “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 Deborah Sales Maysack, President & CEO of the Arthritis Foundation North Central Chapter. “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, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact their local Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) office for one on one counseling at (800) 536-8197. 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 SHIINE and 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.
©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.