Medicare’s Dec. 7th Open enrollment deadline nears

As the December 7th deadline grows closer for people with Medicare to change or choose their drug and health plan coverage for next year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and its network of partners and advocates are available to assist with counseling and enrolling beneficiaries on their choices for 2012. With just weeks remaining in the Annual Enrollment Period, Medicare’s popular consumer resources – www.medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE – are assisting beneficiaries, their families, partners and trusted representatives.

“Seniors and people with Medicare should act now, review their plan coverage and compare their current plan with other available options,” said CMS Administrator Donald M. Berwick, M.D. “The important decisions you make now can help ensure that any changes made will be in place by January 2012 for seamless and uninterrupted access to your healthcare providers and medications at your chosen pharmacies.”

CMS recently mailed Medicare & You handbooks and postcards to more than 42 million households reminding them of the December 7th deadline. This year, as beneficiaries look over their available plan options, they will see better value in the Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug (Part D) plan benefits. Medicare Advantage enrollees are now assured of the same access as other Medicare beneficiaries to certain Medicare-covered preventive services at zero cost-sharing, including an Annual Wellness Visit. On average, Medicare Advantage premiums will be four percent lower in 2012 than in 2011, and plans expect enrollment to increase by 10 percent.

Beneficiaries with Part D coverage who are in the coverage gap, or “donut hole,” will continue to receive 50 percent discounts on covered brand name drugs thanks to the Affordable Care Act. Beneficiaries have seen an average savings of $581 on covered brand name drugs, and an additional $22 in savings on generic drugs – yet another reason to compare and choose the drug plan that best fits a patient’s needs. Average premiums for Part D prescription drug plans will also decrease to $30 in 2012, about 76 cents less compared to the average 2011 premium. The premium amount is based on bids submitted by Part D plans for the 2012 plan year. Benefits in 2012 remain consistent with those offered in 2011.

“Before the December 7th deadline, we urge all people with Medicare to focus on Open Enrollment and compare costs, ...