Thursday, February 28, 2008

ATTENTION MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES

With every New Year come more health insurance choices for Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare beneficiaries are faced with overwhelming information and important decisions. Medicare beneficiaries may be receiving letters or postcards asking them to respond if they would like further information on money-saving programs.

Medicare beneficiaries may then be contacted by insurance agents selling various insurances--Medicare beneficiaries should be aware. If Medicare beneficiaries choose to meet with these agents, it is suggested they should always have a friend or family member with them. A Medicare beneficiary should ask for written information to review and never sign anything during their first meeting. Medicare beneficiaries should write down any questions they need answered before committing themselves to insurance policies.

It is important you carefully review plans before making a change in your health care coverage. Your review should look at:

• The total cost of the plan including monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-payments;
• Access to your doctors and health care providers;
• Out-of-network coverage and costs;
• Coverage for your prescriptions under the plan’s formulary;
• Whether you can change your plan once you enroll (you may be locked in until next open enrollment, November 15-December 31, 2008).

If you have concerns or questions about changing your coverage or are feeling pressured to make a change, call the SHINE Program at 1-800-243-4636, option 2, or your local SHINE counselor, for assistance; Westport residents can call the Council on Aging at 508-636-1026.

• SHINE counselors are available in most towns and senior centers.
• SHINE counselors have access to up-to-date Medicare information.
• SHINE counselors can assist Medicare beneficiaries with plan comparisons.

Your health care is too important to make a change without carefully considering all options available.

A message from the Westport Council of Aging