Letters to the Editor: About Medicare Part D

If you could save money on your prescription drugs would you compare prices? It is that time of the year when everyone on a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan should do some comparing. The Part D annual enrollment period is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 this year. (These dates begin earlier and end sooner than in the past).

Even though your existing plan may work for you, that does NOT mean it is the best plan for 2012. There are 30 plans for Missouri residents in 2012 and 15 of them have no deductible. The lowest monthly premium is $15.10 and EVERY plan has made changes.

We urge all Medicare Part D beneficiaries, caretakers, and family members to make sure this comparison gets done. It doesn’t take much time but could save a substantial amount of money. The comparison can be done on Medicare’s website at www.medicare.gov by anyone.

If you need assistance, we can provide a worksheet for you to complete and return to us. We will do the comparison and give unbiased results to help you choose the best plan for 2012. We can also give you information about the Extra Help Program from Social Security and the Missouri Rx Plan, both of which can help with drug costs. To get a worksheet, call 660-663-2828 or toll free 1-866-587-2272. Please do this today and remember the deadline to enroll or change has moved up to Dec. 7 this year.

Sincerely,

Deanna Lewis – Administrator and Vera Nelson – Aging Resource Consultant,
Active Aging Resource Center