There have been significant changes made to Medicare regarding prescription drug coverage this year and more changes are planned for 2011.
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Deanna Lewis, administrator at the Active Aging Resource Center, said some of these changes were brought about by the Health Care Reform Act and can affect both the benefits and options available to recipients of supplemental health care coverage.
Some policies or plans have been eliminated. There were 45 drug plans last year, now there are 32. Seniors may need to enroll with a new company.
"Some seniors are getting letters now telling them their prescription coverage won’t be active in 2011," Lewis said. "Our concern is they may not understand the letter or they may do nothing about it. If they fail to enroll, they may be left with no drug coverage come January first."
Lewis said another major change for 2011 involves the cost of premiums, which is good news because the cost has come down considerably. The lowest monthly premium will cost $14.80 a month. That’s down from $25.10 this year.
Seniors who fall into the "donut hole" or coverage gap in their drug plan will also receive price breaks in 2011, thanks to the Health Care Reform Act.
Making important decisions that affect health-care needs can be confusing. Some Medicare participants may benefit by working with Medicare advisers to ensure that they understand their options enough to select the best plans for their specific needs. If you need help submitting an application for a program or filling out the Part D worksheets, contact Deanna Lewis or Vera Nelson, the Aging and Disability Resource Consultant for Daviess County, at the Active Aging Resource Center in Gallatin at 660-663-2828.
Three members of Green Hills Community Action Agency were available to help seniors or the disabled at a workshop/assistance program at the Daviess County Active Aging Resource Center in Gallatin on Oct. 8. Vera Nelson, the aging and disability resource coordinator for Daviess County, hosted the event.
Paula McCoy of Caldwell County, Hamilton office, Jana Barton of Daviess County, Gallatin office, and Jean Gardner, housing assistance inspector for both offices, discussed the partnership between their programs. GHCAA offers many services to help individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency.
"A new contract year which will extend for three years has made new ground and new customers available for the agency," said McCoy. She said they are getting out in the communities at different locations and visiting in people’s homes. They do everything from assisting with phone calls, helping with energy assistance, and preparing budgets if the client is eligible for Missouri Property Tax Credit.
"We don’t offer a hand-out," said McCoy. "We offer a hand up."
Programs offered include "Fire Your Clothes Dryer," community gardens, second chance grant, and family support.
The programs are not just for the elderly. Family support, for instance, focuses on education and employment and visits the elementary schools to talk about bringing "green into our lives."