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October 23, 2012
Dear Neighbor,
The start of Fall brings a new school year and changing leaves. This is a busy time for many, so I want to remind you of the start of Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, which began October 15 and ends December 7.
The Open Enrollment Period offers Medicare recipients the opportunity to review and change their health and prescription drug coverage for the coming year. Coverage and prices vary from state to state, so take the time to read up on all the different options available to you. If you are satisfied with the coverage you have, you don’t need to do anything at all. If you are a caregiver, sit down with your parents or family members that receive Medicare and help them sort through the different plans available and choose the best option for their health needs and their finances.
I’m happy to announce that seniors now have access to a wider range of Medicare plan choices than ever before. For the first time, people will have access to a combined 127 four- or five-star Medicare Advantage plans and 26 four or five star prescription drug plans. San Mateo and San Francisco participants will be able to choose from between 39-44 plans depending on where you live. And the best part is that because of the Affordable Care Act, seniors’ costs in the prescription drug donut hole continue to shrink.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, in 2013, people with Medicare who reach the “donut hole” will receive approximately 53 percent off the cost of brand name drugs and 21 percent off the cost of generic drugs. Medicare beneficiaries will also continue to benefit from Medicare-covered preventive services at zero cost-sharing, including a yearly wellness visit.
Plans change from year to year, so it's important to take a close look at what your current plan covers, how much it costs, and how it fares with the other plan options available to you. You should look closely at the cost, coverage, convenience, and quality rating of the plan options.
Time is limited, however, as you may only enroll in 2013 plans from October 15 to December 7. Use the Medicare Plan Finder to do a personalized search and see all the health care plans available. Remember, this is the only time you can change your plan, so take this opportunity to find something that works for you or your older family member.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Octobter 15th – December 7th
Online Resources for Medicare Open Enrollment
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
http://www.cms.gov/Center/Special-Topic/Open-Enrollment-Center.html?redirect=/center/openenrollment.asp
Search online for Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug Plans by zipcode
www.medicare.gov
Details about the 2013 Part C and D Plan Quality Ratings
http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Prescription-Drug-Coverage/PrescriptionDrugCovGenIn/PerformanceData.html.
Questions about Open Enrollment?
HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program): 800-434-0222
In San Mateo: 650-627-9350
In San Francisco: 415-677-7520
All the best,
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Washington D.C. Office
211 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3531
Fax: (202) 226-4183 |
San Mateo Office
400 S. El Camino Real, Suite 410
San Mateo, CA 94402
Phone: (650) 342-0300
Fax: (650) 375-8270 |
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