November 13, 2008
(St. Paul, MN) – The Medicare Rx Access Network of Minnesota 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 Bennie Loro, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. “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 Minnesota LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433.
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 Minnesota remains committed to sharing resources, coordinating activities and disseminating information to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers about Medicare Part D drug coverage,” said Nate Prouty, Coordinator of the Medicare Rx Access Network of Minnesota. “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
Local organizations urge patients and providers to take advantage of new plan options and services available beginning November 15th through December 31st.
The Medicare Rx Access Network of Minnesota has re-energized its local partners to prepare Minnesota seniors for the upcoming November 15th through December 31st Open Enrollment opportunity for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than 488,000 Minnesotans are currently enrolled in a Medicare Part D Stand Alone or Medicare Advantage drug plan. While there are still a few weeks until seniors can make changes to their benefits, Medicare Rx Access Network members are urging Minnesotans to prepare now.
“There are new plans and benefits available to seniors,” said Bennie Loro, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota. “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 according to recent polls conducted by Medicare Today, AARP, and The Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive. 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 November 15th through December 31st.
“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 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. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid estimates there are over 21,000 Minnesotans who may qualify for the Low Income Subsidy (LIS) and may not even know it. Seniors can contact the Social Security Administration at 1-(800)-772-1213 or the Minnesota Senior Linkage line at 1-(800)-333-2433 to help determine if they are eligible for this additional benefit.
For further information and assistance, beneficiaries and providers can visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-(800)-MEDICARE or contact the Minnesota Senior Linkage line at senior_linkage@state.mn.us or call the statewide toll free number 1-(800)-333-2433.
©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.