Homestretch for Medicare drug plans
If you’ve been on the fence about Medicare’s prescription drug plans, now is the time to jump.
Those who don’t sign up for the new Medicare prescription drug plans by May 15 will have to wait until November, said Latrice Reed of Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging, who for most of the year has been preparing seniors for the transition.
The voluntary program is open to all Medicare beneficiaries regardless of income. A monthly premium provides help with prescription drug expenses, and most seniors are saving money through the program.
Extra help is available for those with limited resources through the Social Security Administration.
Medicare recipients who don’t have drug coverage now face higher monthly premiums, if they decide they want coverage later. The next open enrollment period will be in November.
To choose a prescription drug plan, Medicare recipients need a list of their prescriptions and their Medicare card. The computer-savvy can visit www.medicare.gov and go through the process on their own.
