It’s that time of year…Medicare Open Enrollment

It’s that time of the year – Medicare Open Enrollment.  Now is the time for Medicare beneficiaries to compare their current Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) Plan to the plans available for 2019.

The open enrollment period is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, and any changes will take place Jan. 1.  There are 26 Part D plans available to Missouri residents for 2019 which includes six brand new plans, one of which has the lowest monthly premium of $15. The least expensive plan with no deductible is $30 per month. Missouri has four Part D plans that will end Dec. 31 and some people will automatically be re-assigned to a plan that may not be the best for them in 2019.

The changes for 2019 are substantial and we urge all Medicare Part D beneficiaries, caregivers, and family members to make sure this annual comparison gets done. It doesn’t take much time, but it could save a substantial amount of money as well as providing better coverage. If you are struggling to pay for your prescriptions, there are programs to help such as Extra Help from Social Security and Patient Assistance Programs.

The Active Aging Resource Center has a worksheet that is easy to complete and has all the information needed to do an unbiased comparison of your current plan’s estimated costs for 2019, as well as checking for other options that may save you money. To get a comparison worksheet, make an appointment, or to get more information, call Deanna at 660-663-2828 or come by the Active Aging Resource Center at 109 South Main Street (next to the Post Office) in Gallatin to pick up a worksheet.

Remember the deadline is Dec. 7, 2018.

Deanna Lewis, Administrator
Active Aging Resource Center