Medicare drug and Advantage plan enrollment ends Dec. 7

Medicare's open enrollment for prescription drug plans (Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans ends Dec. 7.

This year's enrollment period was moved and expanded, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, giving people additional time to consider their choices.

Still need to make a decision and need some help? Our Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) program can answer questions and help you evaluate plans. Call our Insurance Consumer Hotline at 1-800-562-6900 and ask to make an appointment with a SHIBA volunteer in your area.

Before you make your decision, consider these tips:

• Plan costs and coverage can change every year, so carefully review all letters and notices from your current plan.


• Make a list of all current prescription drugs you take, the doses, and how often. Then, use the Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov to compare Part D plans.


• Review the 2012 Medicare & You handbook. You should have received it in September.
  If you have questions, call 1-800- MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) before you sign up.


• If you have limited income and need help paying for prescription drugs, check out Medicare’s “Extra Help” program. To see if you qualify, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or go to www.socialsecurity.gov and click on Medicare.

But most importantly, don't wait! Remember, open enrollment ends Dec. 7. Here's a list of prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans