What do I need to do to sign up for Medicare Part D coverage?

Posted: November 18, 2016, 12:10PM

The window of opportunity for 2017 Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D products and Medicare Advantage plans is getting more narrow! Open Enrollment runs through December 7 so you still have time to make evaluate your 2016 product and make changes for 2017.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has provided a list of FIVE IMPORTANT THINGS that every Medicare beneficiary can do.

1. Review your plan notice. Be sure to read any notices from your plan about changes for next year, especially your "Annual Notice of Change" letter. Read the material to make sure your drugs are still covered and your doctors are still in the network.

2. Thank about what is important with your health care needs. Medicare health and drug plans change each year and your personal health needs may change also. Do you need a new primary care doctor? If you have an Advantage plan, does your network include the specialist you want? Does another plan offer the same value at a lower cost? Take stock of your health status and determine ifyou need to make a change.

3. Do you need help paying for your Medicare? Learn about programs in your state to help with the costs of Medicare premiums, your Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) deductibles, co-insurance and co-payments, and Medicare prescription drug coverage costs. You can do this by visiting Medicare.gov or talking to your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor.

4. Shop for plans tht meet your needs and fit your budget. You can use Medicare's plan finder tool to see what other plans are offered in your area. A new plan may cost less, cover your drugs and/or let you go to providers you want (doctor or pharmacy). If you find that your current plan still meets your needs, then you're done! Remember - during Open Enrollment, you can decide to stay in Original Medicare or join a Medicare Advantage Plan. If you're already in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch back to Original Medicare. And - you can change your Part D product if you find one that better suits your needs.

5. Check your plan's Star Rating before you enroll. The Medicare Plan Finder has been updated with the 2016 Star Ratings for Medicare health and prescription drug plans. Plans are given an overall quality rating on a 1 - 5 star scale, with 1 star representing poor performance and 5 stars representing excellent performance. Use the Star Ratings to compre the quality of health and drug plans that are offered.

For more information, you can call 1 800 MEDICARE (1 800 633-4227) and say "Agent". TTY callers can call 1 877 486-2048. Help is available 24 hours a day including weekends. If you need help in a language other than English, let the customer service representative know the language.

You can also contact the local State Health Insurance Assistance program.