Published: November 28, 2009 11:34 pm      

Medicare open enrollment now under way

Seniors advised to re-evaluate plans

Don’t take anything for granted with your Medicare Part C or D coverage. Instead, take the opportunity available now through Dec. 31 to have your plan reviewed.

That’s the advice social worker Crystal Coleman and other senior citizens’ advisers recommend during the Medicare open enrollment period under way now through the end of the year.

“People with the Part D drug coverage shouldn’t assume the plan they have now will cover the same drugs in 2010,” said Coleman, who helps seniors evaluate their plans through the Raleigh County Commission on Aging in Beckley. “This open enrollment allows them to make changes to their plan.”

Medicare is an 80/20 insurance available to seniors to assist with medical bills. This means Medicare pays for 80 percent of the bill and the senior pays the remaining 20 percent. Two additional parts of the Medicare plan, known as Part C and Part D, can also be confusing, Coleman said.

“Medicare Part C is a supplemental plan that will help pay for the remaining 20 percent that Medicare does not cover. Some of the plans may include the prescription coverage as well. These plans will have an additional premium that you are responsible for paying in addition to your regular Medicare premium.”

Medicare Part D is a plan that will help cover prescription costs only.

“With this plan, you should check if you will fall into the gap or donut hole before enrolling,” Coleman said. “The gap or donut hole is reached when the plan you would be enrolled in has reached the maximum payments on your medicines. The maximum any plan will pay in a year’s time is $2,700. You will have an additional premium with this plan as well. You may also have an annual deductible to meet with this plan.”

Seniors need to review their plans and see if there will be additional premiums and what kinds of help might be available to offset costs that will create financial stress, Coleman said.

The West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Center, with offices throughout the state, also provides information about all types of financial concerns of seniors.

ADRCs are state-funded and sponsored by the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services.

Services offered at the ADRCs are available to anyone, regardless of age. For more information, call toll-free 1-866-WVS-ADRC (1-866-987-2372).

The important thing is to do some shopping and make changes before the deadline, Coleman said.

Seniors can check with private insurance companies, a Commission on Aging office in the county where they reside, ADRC or visit www. medicare.gov.

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com