Davenport, Iowa - Making ends meet should not mean going without your medication. Medicare prescription drug coverage, known as Part D, helps fill the gap for eligible Quad Citians but unfortunately many don't review their policies and find themselves spending more money on prescriptions drugs then may be necessary. This is why it is so important for Medicare recipients to take part in the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, October 15 through December 7.
On October 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will announce its Part D plans for 2015. According to CMS, there are several plan changes which will impact Iowans. "Iowa will have 29 stand-alone drug plans in 2015, compared to 32 for 2014," says Kris Gross from the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). "It is very important that Iowans do a Part D check-up and see if their current plans will still provide the best coverage for 2015."
According to SHIIP, seven plans were dropped and four new plans were added. Thirteen plans show reduced premiums and thirteen plans increased theirs. None of the plans cover brand name drugs in the coverage gap, but several cover generic drugs. There are five plans which are available at $0 for people who qualify for the full Part D extra help.
Going through this process can be confusing that is why the Center For Active Seniors, Inc. (CASI) is offering free assistance through its SHIIP program. Five specially trained SHIIP volunteers will be available, during the open enrollment period, by appointment, Monday through Friday, to offer assistance in finding coverage that best fits a Medicare recipient's needs.
Those interested in meeting with a CASI SHIIP counselor must make an appointment, in advance, by calling 563-386-7477. Counselors will offer this free assistance from October 15 through December 7 on the following days and times: Noon-5 p.m. on Mondays, 1-6 p.m. on Tuesdays; 9 a.m. - Noon on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. - Noon and 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Thursdays and from 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. Counselors ask that you have a valid photo identification card, your Medicare card and a list from your pharmacy of all current medications. If a list cannot be provided, CASI's SHIIP counselors ask that you bring all your prescription medications to your schedule appointment.
During this same period you can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug (Part D) plan if you missed the enrollment deadline earlier this year. SHIIP counselors can assist you with enrollment in a Part D plan also. If you're happy with the plan you have and what it's going to be offering next year you don't need to do anything. Your enrollment will continue into next year.
CASI was established in 1972 and serves the needs of older adults by providing a variety of events and activities focused on health and wellness, social engagement, lifelong learning, and community involvement. CASI also provides a senior advocacy program to assist older adults, their families, and caregivers in needs assessment and referral for services. Jane's Place at CASI is the only adult day services center in Eastern Iowa serving adults with Alzheimer's and dementia. Please contact CASI for additional information.
