You Have from November 15th to December 31st To Change Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for 2011
November 15th to December 31st marks the 2011 Medicare Open Enrollment Period for Prescription Drug Plans.This is the only time each year that Medicare beneficiaries are allowed to switch their Prescription Drug Plan. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act and the inclusion of provisions that will eliminate the drug “donut hole” over time beginning in 2011, you can be assured that the Prescription Drug Plan offerings have changed.Even the number of Plans offered has changed, from 50+ in prior years to 33 currently offered in California. This is definitely the year to have a Prescription Drug Plan Review, although this is something that should be done annually.Plans change annually based on performance and competition, and it is likely that an individual’s drugs change annually, too. It is important to note that the price you pay for drugs is determined by the Plan in which you are enrolled.In addition, each Plan categorizes and prices drugs differently. Your drugs costs can vary by up to thousands of dollars depending upon the Plan you are in.There is no reason to leave money on the table.
I Have Yet to Have a Client for Whom the Best Plan for Them One Year Continued to be the Best Plan for Them the Next Year.
TIP:As always, the best way for you to save on drugs is to move from branded drugs to generic drugs.I encourage you to contact your doctor to see if he/she thinks an appropriate generic drug alternative is available for you. What I Need to Help You:All that I need is a reply to this email with the information below and a phone number at which to contact you.We can have a conversation to confirm your current coverage and discuss your preferences.I can then determine which Plan best meets your needs.
·Drug Name:Including all descriptors such as HCL, HCTZ, SR, etc. ·Dosage:This is usually in mg, such as 20 mg, 10 mg, etc. ·Frequency:How many times do you take the drug each day? ·Zip CodeZip code of residence. TIP:If you have been prescribed drugs by multiple doctors, bring the drug list to the local pharmacist.He/She should gladly provide a consultation to insure there are no potential adverse drug interactions. Timing:The Open Enrollment is only for 45 days, November 15th – December 31st, so the earlier you contact me the better it is for you.This will ensure that your Plan information will be processed and accessible to your pharmacy as of January 1, 2011.
About Esther Koch:Esther Koch is a healthcare advisor and gerontologist.She is an Aging Network Partner with the Administration on Aging and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and was a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging.She is a frequent speaker on Medicare, eldercare, and aging topics.For additional information, visit www.ENCOREmgmt.com.
