Open enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2018. Older adults with Medicare encouraged to review current health plan and prescription drug coverage options
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, 2018. 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, 2019.
“People’s health and financial status can change over the course of a year. 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,” said Olsen. “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.
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) offers around-the-clock assistance for those who want to find out more about coverage options. 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 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.)
New Medicare Cards Coming in 2018/2019. Medicare began mailing new Medicare cards in April 2018, and will continue through 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. It is important for New Yorkers to safeguard their Medicare information. Once the new card is received, people should safely and securely destroy their old card, which has their Social Security number on it.
Below are some helpful tips for Medicare recipients about the new card:
There is no need to take any action to get the new Medicare card.
The new card won’t change Medicare coverage or benefits.
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.
The only people who need the new Medicare number are the recipient’s doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, the recipient’s insurance company, and people who are trusted to work with Medicare on the recipient’s behalf.
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). More information is available at Help fight Medicare fraud.
About the New York State Office for the Aging
The mission of the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is to help older New Yorkers be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them. Stay connected to the New York State Office for the Aging—download the NYSOFA mobile app for iOS or Android; visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter; or visit www.aging.ny.gov.
