People With Medicare

Medicare Question of the Month

Each month, our expert showcases a Medicare question submitted by one of our readers. You may submit a question at any time and get a personal response.

October 2012 Question:

Question:
My Part D Medicare drug plan cost me too much this year. What can I do?

Answer
What you should do is take advantage of the annual Open Enrollment Period. This is the time of year when you can make changes in your Medicare coverage. The period starts on October 15 and ends on December 7, 2012. Your new coverage will start January 1, 2013.

This enrollment period is very important. Why? Because unless you are new to Medicare, have Extra Help to pay your Medicare drug plan costs, or have a special circumstance, you will not be allowed to change your Medicare coverage for another year. So, if you need better coverage, now is the time to review your options.

During this time, you should review your plan options and consider joining a different Medicare drug plan. Remember, you only have until December 7 to switch to a plan that may better meet your needs in 2013, so don't delay.

Find out how to explore your Part D options, what to consider in a plan, and how to enroll in a new plan.

Need more help? There are two reliable resources to help you review and compare your Part D prescription drug coverage for 2013:

• Medicare's online Plan Finder: This online tool is the most reliable for reviewing and comparing plans in your area. This website is secure, and once you find a plan that best meets your needs, you can enroll online. Use this set of instructions on how to use the plan finder to help you make the most of its features.
  
  
• Get Personal Help: If you ever have questions about your Medicare coverage or benefits, you can get help in your local area. This service is free to people with Medicare and their families. A trained benefits counselor can review your Part D options with you, and help you sort through the plans to find the one that best meets your needs.

You can also learn more about Part D and what to consider when reviewing plan options such as coverage, cost, and convenience.

And, if you cannot pay for your Part D prescription drugs, or if you need help with your drug costs, you may be able to get Extra Help. Learn more about Extra Help.

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