HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and North Dakota Governor John Hoeven Encourage ND Seniors to Review and Compare Medicare Plans During Open Enrollment

BISMARCK, N.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and North Dakota Governor John Hoeven today urged seniors to review and compare their current Medicare plans to ensure they have the best coverage. The annual open enrollment period, which kicked off on November 15 and runs through December 31, gives beneficiaries the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to their existing coverage.

“Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to do comparison shopping to find a prescription drug plan that best meets their needs,” Secretary Leavitt said. “By using the tools and resources provided by HHS and local partners, people with Medicare can find the best plan for them during this open enrollment period.”

HHS’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting events across the country to help people with Medicare make the most of their health and prescription drug benefits. Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes -- such as reduced coverage in the gap -- if they do not choose a 2009 prescription drug plan that is best for them. Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly so they can make sure they are enrolled in the plan that best suits their needs at the most affordable price for the 2009 benefit year.

“Every year, prescription drug and health plans change, as well as the health needs of Medicare beneficiaries,” said Governor Hoeven. “That is why seniors are encouraged to review and compare their Medicare plans during open enrollment to ensure they are receiving the best coverage for their health needs. The state has tools and resources in place to assist them with their plan reviews and enrollment.”

For in-state counseling assistance, beneficiaries can contact SHIC (State Health Insurance Counseling Program) toll-free weekdays at 1-888-575-6611.

Thanks in large part to Medicare Part D, 90 percent of Medicare beneficiaries now have prescription drug coverage. In North Dakota, 85 percent of seniors have coverage. There are 48 prescription drug plans to choose from in the state, with 26 plans offering enhanced benefits or services, 27 having $0 deductibles and two charging a premium under $25.

The engine behind Part D is choice and competition. While beneficiaries may see changes in their current plan, about 97 percent of those in a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) will have access to Medicare drug and health plans in 2009 with premiums that are the same or less than what they were in 2008.

CMS is encouraging people with Medicare to review how their plans are changing and what other options are available to them so they can determine which plan best meets their needs. There are four ways to review and compare plans:

1. Visit www.medicare.gov to use the Plan Finder tool. Seniors can compare costs, coverage and more, and also get an estimate of their potential out-of-pocket costs for the year.

2. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227, TTY 1-877-486-2048). 24 hour help is available from trained Medicare representatives.

3. See the listing of plans in the Medicare & You handbook. All people with Medicare receive a copy of the handbook by mail and can review this along with the information sent to them by their current plan.

4. Talk with local Medicare experts at North Dakota’s SHIC (State Health Insurance Counseling) program. Representatives are available to answer beneficiary questions about their coverage options.

In addition to the assistance offered to beneficiaries at open enrollment, Medicare has a Low Income Subsidy (LIS) program to help those living on low incomes. Medicare could pay for 75 percent or more on prescription drug costs for those who qualify. In fact, most people who qualify for the full LIS can get 95 percent of their costs covered. People with Medicare can apply for extra help through their local Social Security office by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov, or calling 1-800-772-1213.

Important Medicare Enrollment Dates:

Nov 15—Open Enrollment Begins

Enroll as soon as possible – the sooner the better – to avoid any inconvenience at the pharmacy counter in January.

Dec 31—Open Enrollment Ends

Jan 1—Coverage Begins

For additional information, visit www.medicare.gov.

Note: All HHS press releases, fact sheets and other press materials are available at http://www.hhs.gov/news.