MEDICARE ENROLLMENT HELP

With the economy still causing concern for seniors and both candidates for President calling for change, maybe more Medicare recipients will be looking at changes in their coverage also. Some will need to either because their retiree health insurance is going away or their Medicare Part D or Advantage Plan has done so. In Racine, retirees of General Motors and Modine face this challenge, as do members enrolled in some Anthem and Wellcare Medicare replacement
plans.

Even beneficiaries on a free-standing Part D Plan have greater need to reevaluate things for 2009, given some steep increases in premiums and some reductions in coverage in the gap. Higher premiums for more than 30 plans may cause some seniors to take another look at Medicare Advantage Plans that also include drug coverage in their lower or no premium options.

Some of the neediest people on Medicare, those who qualify for the Low Income Subsidy (or Extra Help), could face surprises if they don't watch their mail closely and know the changes ahead. More of them are facing re-assignment into different plans for next year than ever before, especially because two of the larger subsidized drug plans for 2008 will not qualify as fully covered plans in 2009.

If members of these plans have chosen either of these plans on purpose, though, they will not be auto-enrolled into a different plan. Instead, they could be billed between $5.65 and $25.85 per month next year. This is the amount their new premium exceeds the Extra Help benchmark of 38.15.

Before you change, or before you stay put, it's good to get all the facts. Several options are available for help.

First, attend a presentation explaining your choices and challenges related to Medicare C & D sponsored by the Racine County Aging and Disability Resource Center and the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging. All presentations will run from 9:30 – 10:30 am, with a chance to have one-to-one appointments later in the day if you have made an appointment beforehand by calling 877-333-0202. The dates and locations are:

Help Yourself, Help Others: Tips for Drug Coverage Decisions This Fall
9:30 – 10:30 am
Wednesday, November 12th, Racine Library
Wednesday, November 26th, Aurora Wellness Center in Burlington
Tuesday, December 2nd, Wheaton Franciscan All Saints in Racine
Tuesday, December 9th, Aurora Wellness Center in Burlington

Can't make a meeting? Then watch for a special opportunity after November 17th to use a unique program called Generations on Line at some local libraries to help you learn to check on drug plans for yourself. Friendly coaches will be on hand to introduce elders to the many benefits of using the internet through this senior-friendly way to get to the Medicare tool with three simple clicks. A tip book will then guide you step by step through putting in the drugs you need and
finding the right plan. You'll also see how easy it can be to use the computer in this way – maybe even to send an email to your grandkids!

What if you do best by phone? If you are looking at Advantage Plans, consider calling the Medigap Helpline at 1-800-242-1060 to make sure you understand your options. To explore which Part D Plans is best for you this year, and whether SeniorCare could be a good alternative or else an addition to fill the "donut hole" – call the State Prescription Drug Helpline at 1-800-456-8211. If you are under 60 and disabled, you can get help at 1-800-926-4862.

For a personal touch, or to see whether you qualify for other benefits that can help you make ends meet, call the Racine County Aging and Disability Resource Center at 262-638-6800. Also – be aware that new marketing laws forbid any agents from knocking at your door or calling you without your invitation. If in doubt, just say "No" and check it out with one of the resources listed above.