2010 Open Enrollment for Medicare Prescription Drug and Health Plan Coverage Begins November 15th, 2009
CMS Encourages Beneficiaries to Review Coverage
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency which oversees the Medicare Program, is encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of the annual Open Enrollment period to make sure they have the best coverage available to meet their healthcare needs in 2010.
The Open Enrollment period begins on November 15, 2009 and runs through December 31, 2009. It is the one time every year when all people with Medicare can review and, if necessary, change their current health care coverage. Beneficiaries may go to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to make changes in their Medicare prescription drug and healthcare coverage. People in Original Medicare without prescription drug coverage can enroll in a drug plan or health plan that offers drug coverage during Open Enrollment.
There are a number of easy ways that lymphoma patients who are Medicare beneficiaries can access information and assistance regarding which plan best meets their needs. These include:
- Calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY#: 1-877-486-2048) or visiting www.medicare.gov to review plans to see how the costs and coverage compares for different coverage options available in their geographic area. Medicare customer service representatives are available 24-hours each day, 7 days a week with multiple language options and resources for people with disabilities.
- Reviewing CMS' Medicare and You handbook. The handbook was mailed to all Medicare beneficiaries in October, and provides a listing of available prescription drug and health coverage plans in their areas. All people with Medicare should also have received information from their current health and prescriptions drug plans.
- Meeting one-on-one with a trained Medicare specialist. To find a Medicare specialist in their area, beneficiaries should call 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE) or visit www.medicare.gov.
- Medicare beneficiaries who cannot meet the costs of prescription drugs may be eligible for additional assistance. Medicare has a program in which those who are eligible for extra help pay no more than $2.50 for each generic drug and no more than $6.30 for each name brand drug. The program can also help pay for premiums and other out-of-pocket costs. Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit www.socialsecurity.gov to find out more about getting extra help.
At www.medicare.gov, beneficiaries and those assisting them can access interactive tools that will help them learn more about all of the prescription drug plans and health plans – including Original Medicare – that serve their area. In addition to providing overviews of coverage and premium costs, there is also information about the quality and performance ratings of participating plans.
