Seniors receiving Social Security benefits will not be getting a cost-of-living-adjustment in the coming year, so it is more important than ever to make sure your Medicare prescription plan is the best for your budget and your needs.
Also, this year, some plans have chosen not to renew their contract with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, meaning some seniors may be forced to choose a new option. During open enrollment for Medicare prescription drug coverage, Nov. 15-Dec. 31, the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners offer this information to help you get smart about your insurance options.
What are my options if I want Medicare prescription drug coverage?
You can enroll in a stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan if you have original (traditional) Medicare, or you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan (which replaces original Medicare) that includes prescription drug coverage. Private insurance companies sell Medicare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans approved by Medicare. Everyone with Medicare is eligible to enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage regardless of income or assets, and coverage is voluntary.
What do I need to consider when choosing a plan?
Compare plans and select the one that best meets your individual needs.
What if I am already enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage?
Plan features might change from year to year. Carefully examine all available plans during the annual enrollment period because your current plan may no longer best meet your needs. Review the features of your plan, including the list of drugs covered, the list of participating pharmacies, the premium, the deductible, the cost-sharing requirements, the provider network and any coverage gaps. You do not need to do anything to remain in your current plan. If you enroll in or make changes to your plan during the annual open enrollment period, your new coverage begins Jan. 1. You should continue to pay premium for your old coverage through Dec. 31.
What if I already have other prescription drug coverage?
A Medicare prescription drug plan might provide more coverage than a Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) policy or your current employer-provided prescription drug coverage. If Medicare considers your existing coverage to be “creditable” — meaning, coverage that is as good as the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage benefit — you are permitted to keep your current coverage without incurring future penalties. However, if you do not enroll in a Medicare drug plan when you are first eligible for Medicare, and you do not have other creditable prescription drug coverage, you may be subject to a penalty if you decide to enroll at a later time. Check with your employer or Medigap plan before dropping an employer-provided prescription drug coverage or Medigap plan because you may not be able to get it back.
What if I am enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that is not renewing for 2010?
Certain Medicare Advantage plans (including some with prescription drug coverage) have chosen not to renew their contracts with Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for 2010. If you have received notice that your plan will not renew in 2010, you should have received information about your options for selecting a new Medicare Advantage plan or returning to original Medicare. If you return to original Medicare, you can still apply for Medicare prescription drug coverage and/or Medicare supplement (Medigap) coverage. If you have questions regarding your Medicare coverage, contact the Medicare Offices at: www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-633-4227.
Other important considerations
Federal assistance with premiums is available to Medicare beneficiaries who meet certain income requirements. If you think you may qualify, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-SSA-1213 (1-800-772-1213).
Medicare beneficiaries may seek assistance in reviewing options for coverage and obtaining financial assistance by contacting their State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Call the West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner at 888-879-9842 for any questions you may have.
More information
For more information about your Medicare prescription drug options including an online Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder, go to www.medicare.gov.
Find more information about your changing insurance needs and tips for choosing the coverage that is best for your and your family at www.InsureUOnline.org.
