Medicare Part D consultations in Barrington

The Barrington Area Council on Aging is now scheduling Medicare Part D consultation appointments from Tuesday, Oct. 18, through Wednesday, Dec. 7.

The annual open enrollment period for Medicare begins Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31. Enrollees can switch their Medicare Part D plan or enroll in a plan for the first time.

For those who are currently in a Medicare Part D plan, the company is required to send an “Annual Notice of Change” to all of its members by Oct. 31. The notice has information about the upcoming changes each plan has in store for 2012. Among the things that enrollees should look for are: the premium and deductibles for 2012; which of the enrollee’s drugs are still covered by the plan (there may be restrictions in 2012 that did not exist in 2011) and has the overall cost changed.

If enrollees are satisfied with the changes to their current plan and feel that the plan fits their needs, there is nothing they need to do. The plan will automatically renew Jan. 1.

For those who want to enroll, review or change their plan, call BACOA at (847) 381-5030 to schedule a consultation appointment.