New York State Office for the Aging acting director Greg Olsen reminds older New Yorkers that the Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2017. Medicare health and prescription drug plans can make changes each year to costs, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. The open enrollment period is when all people with Medicare can change their health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. Plan changes take effect January 1, 2018.
“People’s health and financial status can change over the course of a year,” said Olsen. “At the same time, plans can change what they will cover and also adjust the cost to the beneficiary. This is an important time of year for older adults to review their plans – what they cover and what they cost – to ensure they are getting the best deal for themselves. Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) counselors at each local office for the aging can provide older New Yorkers with the information needed to make an informed choice about a plan that is a good value and meets their health care and prescription drug coverage needs.”
Several resources are available to help Medicare beneficiaries and their families review and compare current plan coverage with new plan offerings; Medicare.gov has comprehensive information for people interested in signing up or changing their plans. The Medicare Plan Finder tool provides a personalized comparison of plan choices. For those who want to find out more about coverage options, 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) offers around-the-clock assistance. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Multilingual counseling is available.
The Medicare & You handbook includes a summary of Medicare benefits, rights, and protections; lists of available health and drug plans; and answers to frequently asked questions about Medicare. One-on-one counseling assistance is also available from HIICAP counselors at each local office for the aging or through the HIICAP toll free line 1-800-701-0501.
Medicare recipients who have limited incomes and resources may qualify for extra help with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. Older adults may apply online or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778 to find out more).
During the open enrollment period, NYSOFA and Medicare also remind older adults to treat their Medicare number as they do their social security number and credit card information. People with Medicare should never give their personal information to anyone arriving at their home uninvited or making unsolicited phone calls to sell Medicare-related products or services. Beneficiaries who believe they are a victim of fraud or identity theft should contact Medicare. More information is available at Help fight Medicare fraud.
Additionally, Medicare will be mailing new Medicare cards between April 2018 and April 2019. New cards will have a new Medicare number that’s unique to each person, instead of a Social Security number. This will help older adults protect their identity.
There is no need to take any action to get the new Medicare card, the new card won’t change Medicare coverage or benefits, and there’s no charge for the new card. Medicare will never ask for personal or private information for someone to get the new Medicare number and card. This is a scam. If someone calls and asks for a recipient’s Medicare number or other personal information, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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