Medicare Part D Enrollment

Seniors are in the open enrollment window for Medicare Part D, and the Garrett Gazette reminds constituents of what is going on:

November 15th marked the beginning of open enrollment for the new Medicare prescription drug program, Medicare Part D. This is your opportunity to review your current coverage and determine if you’d like to change plans. Open Enrollment season runs through December 31st, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends that you enroll by December 7th if you expect to change your coverage to ensure that there is no break in your prescription services in the new year.

There are a number of resources available to help you navigate this process. The New Jersey SHIP network (State Health Insurance Program) at the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services can be found online at http://www.state.nj.us/health/senior/ship.shtml.

They can be reached at 1-800-792-8820 (toll free for in-state calls only) or at 1-877-222-3737. You can also go online to http://www.medicare.gov/ or call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance. CMS has added a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder and Formulary Finder to help you narrow down the wide array of choices to fit your personal needs. CMS also has several publications to help you make the most of your benefits and assess your plan for cost, coverage, and customer service:

Rx Enrollment Check-Up (www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11220.pdf)
Guide to Rx Drug Coverage (www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11109.pdf)
Medicare & You 2008(http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf)

This is the only opportunity you will have to change your plan until November 15, 2008. Of course, you can always contact me and my staff for assistance as well. We will help put you in touch with the right people or materials so you can make an informed decision. My Paramus office can be reached at 201-712-0330 and my Newton office can be reached at 973-300-2000.