Medicare Rx Access Network of Montana Gears Up For Medicare Part D Open Enrollment Period

Local organizations urge patients and providers to take advantage of new plan options and services available beginning October 15th

The Medicare Rx Access Network has re-energized its local partners to help prepare Montana seniors for the upcoming October 15th through December 7th Open Enrollment opportunity for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans.

More than 171,499 Montanans are currently covered by Medicare. While there are still a few weeks until seniors can make changes to their benefits, Medicare Rx Access Network members are urging Montanans to prepare now.

“The Medicare Rx Access Network will be out in the community making sure that seniors and all eligible people are aware not only of the open enrollment period but of all the options available,” explained D Gregory Smith, MA, LMHC, executive director, AIDS Outreach Montana.  “Seniors and beneficiaries should compare their current plan with new coverage options in their area. People change and so do their medical needs. Patients can make their benefits work for them.”

Seniors and beneficiaries wanting to compare their plans should visit http://www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. These resources will allow them to easily compare their current coverage to their medical and financial needs to determine the most suitable option available to them in their area. In Montana, those with questions on Medicare and Medicare Part D can also call the Montana State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a free health-benefits counseling and advocacy service for Medicare beneficiaries and their families or caregivers, at 1-800-551-3191. 

The Medicare Rx Access Network will spend the next few weeks and months working with local health providers and community organizations to spread the word about the open enrollment opportunity.

Eighty-eight percent of Part D enrollees report satisfaction with their coverage, according to the KRC Survey for Medicare Today, done in October of 2011.

 

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