Older adults can save thousands on prescription drugs at Bacoa

Local nonprofit Bacoa, Barrington, is now taking appointments for the annual Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Plan Enrollment Period (PDP).

The enrollment program, led by Bacoa's Senior Health Insurance Program Counselors (SHIP), saves seniors over $100,000 on prescription drug costs each year by enrolling them in the Medicare Part D plan that best meets their budget and prescription needs.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average drug price rose 31.6% last year, with some drugs' prices increasing by over $20,000.

"The cost of prescription drugs is a major burden for many older adults in our community," said Terri Channer, Bacoa's executive director. "At Bacoa, we believe everyone should have access to the medicine they need at a price they can afford, which is why our SHIP counselors work hard to make sure we find our clients the best Medicare plans."

For many older adults, finding Medicare coverage that matches their health and financial needs is a challenge filled with red tape and hard-to-understand jargon, which is why Bacoa sees many clients return for their PDP services each year. Bacoa's Social Service director and leader of Bacoa's PDP program, Sue McNamara, agrees, "It is critical that people review their drug plans every year. Medications change, tiers change and copays change; that's why we make our appointments available to everyone."

In-person, virtual, and phone appointments for Bacoa's PDP program can be scheduled by calling Bacoa at (847) 381-5030. Appointments available Oct. 15-Dec. 7.