It’s important for beneficiaries to review their plan every year to make sure the plan still covers their prescriptions and is still is the most affordable coverage. Changes in medications can affect plan costs, and plans have the ability to change their premium costs, deductibles and copays annually.
1. If you are currently enrolled in a Part D Medicare plan, carefully review the Annual Notice of Change to determine any changes to your plan coverage. This will be mailed to you around October 1, 2013. You should expect to receive it no later than October 30, 2013.
2. Before signing up for a plan, you should compare plan options using the plan finder tool on Medicare.gov. If you do not compare plans, you risk enrolling in a plan that doesn't provide adequate coverage, or paying two to three times more than you need to. Plans can vary significantly. If you need help, we recommend contacting a reliable, trusted, unbiased source, like the AAA 1-B, and/or signing up to attend one of the AAA 1-B’s Assistance Days by calling (800) 803-7174 (dates and locations listed below).
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3. Each plan is given a Star Quality Rating. When considering a Part D plan, you want to consider the plan’s quality rating, in addition to the cost of the plan, to ensure that you are enrolling in the best plan for you. Stars for each plan show how well the plan performs in a particular category. Star ratings range from 1 to 5 stars. A rating of 1 star means “poor” quality, 2 stars means “below average” quality, 3 stars means “average” quality, 4 stars means “above average” quality and 5 stars means “excellent” quality.
4. Consider mail order options to save money. Most Part D plans offer mail order at a lower cost than a retail pharmacy.5. Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan between October 15, 2013 and December 7, 2013 to ensure your prescription coverage is in effect on January 1, 2014.
In-Person Counseling at Medicare Part D Assistance Day
To get in-person assistance, beneficiaries can register to attend one of the following AAA 1-B 2013 Monroe County Medicare Part D Assistance Days:
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Friday, November 8, 2013
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
St. Mary Magdalen
2201 S. Old US Hwy 23
Brighton, MI 48114
Monday, November 18, 2013
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Marion Township Hall
2877 W. Coon Lake Road
Howell, MI 48843
Availability is limited and reservations are required for the Medicare Part Assistance Day. To make a reservation, please call the AAA 1-B’s Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program at 1-800-803-7174.
Medicare Part D Counseling by Phone
To get assistance with their Medicare Part D prescription plan choices over the phone, beneficiaries can call the AAA 1-B’s MMAP program at 1-800-803-7174 from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.