Seniors can get help with Medicare Plan D coverage

Older adults qualifying and enrolled in Medicare can set up a free appointment with one of the Barrington Area Council on Aging's Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors to select prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D.

Medicare Part D coverage is voluntary and older adults can sign up for the coverage during the open enrollment period, which runs through Dec. 7.

Medicare Part D plans are stand-alone prescription drug plans that can be added on to Medicare coverage. They are provided by private insurance companies and SHIP counselors can assist older adults in understanding and selecting the type of plan that works best for them.

"BACOA's SHIP counselors are trained to help older adults maneuver what can be a very confusing government program," said BACOA Social Services coordinator and SHIP counselor Diane Vos Hansen.

"SHIP counselors help people consider their health needs, review available plans, and then select plans that make the most sense for them."

Last year, BACOA SHIP counselors helped nearly 100 clients save almost $150,000 on their medications by reviewing plans and recommending ways to save.

It is also open enrollment for older adults registered or interested in registering for Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage plans offer an alternative way to receive Medicare benefits through a private, Medicare-approved insurance company and may include additional benefits such as routine dental, vision and hearing services. They may even include prescription drug coverage.

If older adults are interested in enrolling for Medicare Advantage, SHIP counselors can help navigate the different options and determine the best plan for them.

"Keep in mind that older adults can't be enrolled in Medicare Part D and a Medicare Advantage Plan," said Vos Hansen. "If someone is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan that includes drug coverage and enrolls into a Medicare Part D plan, you'll automatically be disenrolled from the Medicare Advantage plan and placed back into general Medicare."

BACOA SHIP counselors can help older adults evaluate and update those plans as well.

"Coverage can change from year to year," said Vos Hansen. "It's really important that people review their coverage and make the changes that work annually."

Older adults can book an appointment by calling BACOA offices Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. through Friday, Dec. 7.

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