Medicare open enrollment session starts today

Oct. 15--Medicare open enrollment starts today for New Yorkers looking to qualify for the first time or change their current plan.

The federally funded health insurance program is for those who are 65 and older, but also available to people under 65 with certain disabilities or with end-stage kidney disease.

Christina M. Baker, coordinator of services and HIICAP coordinator at Lewis County's Office of the Aging, said Medicare health and prescription drug plans can change year to year, so they encourage people to review their coverage annually -- even if they are happy with their current plan.

"You don't want people to not check and then come January, their $2,000 prescription isn't covered anymore," Ms. Baker said.

The federal Social Security Administration automatically signs individuals up for Medicare Part A coverage after they turn 65. The cards are mailed to people a few months before they reach that birthday.

Medicare Part A primarily covers inpatient care in hospitals, short-term care in a skilled nursing facility and hospice care. It also covers some, but not all, home health care costs.

Part A requires that patients pay a $1,316 deductible for each time they are hospitalized unless it's for the same diagnosis within 60 days. There is no monthly premium for Medicare Part A.

Those who need ongoing home health care generally have to find another way to cover those costs. Some private insurers cover a portion of those expenses.

Medicare Part B is for outpatient services, such as doctor visits, lab work, X-rays and emergency room care.

This year, most people who signed up for Medicare Part B are charged a monthly premium of $134, which is taken out of their Social Security checks. The co-pay is 20 percent of the visit cost based on "reasonable and customary" rates set by Medicare. The annual deductible is $183. However, those with higher incomes may pay higher Medicare premiums.

Seniors can also consider signing up for one of several different Medicare supplemental plans available through AARP and other private insurers that cover some costs the original Medicare plans won't, such as co-pays, deductibles and even travel outside the U.S.

Ms. Baker said Medicare recipients with limited incomes may also be eligible for extra assistance with Medicare prescription drug plan costs. The local offices can help seniors navigate Medicare enrollment, policy changes and identify additional services that may benefit eligible individuals.

Free, one-on-one appointments with HIICAP counselors, such as Ms. Baker, are available throughout open enrollment.

"Premiums have changed, deductibles have changed and coverage has changed," she said. "Some plans go in and some plans drop out ... it may be miniscule, but it can have a long-lasting impact on certain patients."

Ms. Baker said she encourages people to call and make an appointment as soon as they can, with open sessions ending on Dec. 7.

Fact box

Several resources are available to help Medicare beneficiaries and their families review and compare current plan coverage and new plan offerings:

Medicare.gov has comprehensive information for people interested in signing up or changing their plans. The Medicare Plan Finder tool provides a personalized comparison of plan choices.

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) offers around-the-clock assistance for those who want to find out more about coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Multilingual counseling is available.

HIICAP counselors offer one-on-one counselling at each local office for the aging or through the HIICAP toll free line: 1-800-701-0501.

LOCAL OFFICES FOR THE AGING

Jefferson County

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

175 Arsenal St., 2nd Floor

Watertown, N.Y. 13601

Phone: 315-785-3191

Email: [email protected]

Lewis County

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

7550 S. State St.

Lowville, N.Y. 13367

Phone: 315-376-5313

Email: [email protected]

Oswego County

Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

County Office Complex

70 Bunner St.

Oswego, N.Y. 13126

Phone: 315-349-3484

St. Lawrence County

Human Service Center

80 State Highway 310, Suite 7

Canton, N.Y. 13617

Phone: 315-386-4730

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