November 17, 2008
(Topeka, KS) – The Medicare Rx Access Network of Kansas is excited to announce the beginning of the Medicare Part D open enrollment period, November 15th and running through December 31st. Medicare Part D beneficiaries are now able to switch their prescription drug plan if there is another plan that better fits their need and new enrollees are able to join for the first time.
“The Medicare Rx Access Network of Kansas is working diligently to reach out to all the Medicare Beneficiaries for the 2008 open enrollment. The Medicare Rx Access Network is a great resource for Medicare beneficiaries to gain valuable knowledge on which Medicare Part D plans will work best for them allowing them to maximize benefits and save,” said Heather Craig, Health Care Advocate at the United Way of Greater Kansas City.
Seniors wanting to compare their plans should visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Kansans also have the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) and counseling is available by calling 1-800-860-5260. These resources will allow them to easily compare their current coverage to their medical and financial needs to determine the most suitable option available to them in their area.
Recent polls consistently show that Medicare Part D enrollees are overwhelmingly satisfied with the coverage they are receiving under the Part D program. Of three polls taken within the past 12 months, 85 percent to 89 percent of Part D enrollees have indicated they are either “satisfied” or “very satisfied” with their coverage. These findings come from polls conducted by Medicare Today, AARP, and The Wall Street Journal Online/Harris Interactive.
“The Medicare Rx Access Network of Kansas remains committed to sharing resources, coordinating activities and disseminating information to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers about Medicare Part D drug coverage,” said Leslie Wilcox, Coordinator of the Medicare Rx Access Network of Kansas. “We encourage all Medicare beneficiaries to take advantage of this open enrollment time to review and compare plans to ensure they have the coverage that best meets their needs.”
October 30, 2008
The Medicare Rx Access Network has re-energized its local partners to help prepare Kansas seniors for the upcoming November 15th through December 31st Open Enrollment opportunity for the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
More than 416,000 Kansans are currently covered by Medicare. While there are still a few weeks until seniors can make changes to their benefits, Medicare Rx Access Network members are urging Kansans to prepare now.
“The Medicare Rx Access Network will be out in the community making sure that seniors are aware not only of the open enrollment period but of all the new options available,” explained Patty Dick, Executive Director of the Arthritis Foundation, Kansas Chapter. “Seniors should compare their current plan with new coverage options in their area. People change and so do their medical needs. Patients can now make their benefits work for them.”
Seniors wanting to compare their plans should visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. These resources will allow them to easily compare their current coverage to their medical and financial needs to determine the most suitable option available to them in their area.
The Medicare Rx Access Network will spend the next few weeks working with local health providers and community organizations to spread the word about the open enrollment opportunity.
More than 80% of Medicare Part D Beneficiaries report satisfaction with their current benefits. This number is likely to increase now that patients will have the ability to tailor their plan to meet their changing medical needs.
Seniors with limited income should also take this opportunity to find out if they qualify for additional assistance to cover out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. Local Social Security Offices can help seniors determine if they are eligible for this additional benefit. Seniors can also call the Social Security Administration at (800)772-1213 for further assistance.
©2008 MedicareRx Access Network. The MedicareRx Access Network works closely with federal and local agencies and partners to educate Medicare beneficiaries about the Medicare prescription drug benefit.