Do you have a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan? Every year Medicare Part D plans can change the list of prescription medications they will cover. That means even if you are taking the same medications, the amount you pay for your medications may change in 2021! The plans’ premiums, deductibles, and co-pays can also change each year.
What can people do about this? All Medicare beneficiaries should check their Part D coverage each year during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period which runs October 15 through December 7th. This is the time of year to find out if your current plan will cost you more, or less than other Part D plans in 2021. If it is no longer the best plan for your medications, this is the time to make a switch to a Part D plan that will suit you better.
Make sure you will have appropriate prescription drug coverage in the new year. You can compare plans on the official Medicare website at www.medicare.gov. Medicare beneficiaries in Bayfield County can also receive free, unbiased assistance with plan comparisons from the Elder Benefits Specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North- Bayfield County Branch at 1-866-663-3607.
Start preparing early this year. The Bayfield County Elder Benefits Specialist has an "Open Enrollment Medicare Part D Screen Form" with instructions to help you get organized. The form is linked below. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! You can go to Medicare.gov to compare plans online or for local assistance fill out the form and call the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North- Bayfield County Branch at 1-866-663-3607.
- 1-800-MEDICARE or www.medicare.gov
- Medigap helpline 1-800-242-1060
- Disability Drug Helpline 1-800-926-4862 (if under age 60)
- Wisconsin Medigap Prescription Drug Helpline 1-855-677-2783