Saturday, November 15, kicked off, until December 31, 2008, the annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and in addition to enrolling seniors who turn 65, the State of Louisiana's enrollment partners are looking for 22,000 older, low-income residents who have yet to take advantage of this healthcare benefit, said Vicki Dufrene, Louisiana Senior Health Insurance Information Program Director, and Cheron Brylski, Medicare Today/Louisiana.
"There are older residents who cannot afford prescription drugs who by simply enrolling in this program, could get them for free or nearly free, due to their income status," said Ms. Dufrene. "If you know an older adult like this, call us."
Medicare Part D enrollment information is available from the Louisiana Department of Insurance's SHIIP program, and LouisianaAnswers.com/Louisiana Senior Rx, which is operated through Louisiana's Councils on Aging and Area Agencies on Aging, in partnership with the Governor's Office of Elderly Affairs.
To contact these organizations, call:
• Louisiana SHIIP - (800) 259-5301
• LouisianaAnswers.com/Senior Rx - (877) 340-9100
• Social Security Administration - (800) 772-1213
• Medicare - (800) 633-4227
• Louisiana Rural Health Association -985-369-3813
"We're encouraging seniors to sign up for prescription drug plans under Medicare's Part D program if they have not already done so," said Medicare Today/Louisiana Field Director Donna Ganier. "We also want those seniors who are already enrolled in the program to review their current plan with SHIIP or LouisianaAnswers.com, and make sure it is still the best fit for their needs."
A survey released by Medicare Today and conducted by KRC Research (medicaretoday.org /partner/studies.htm) found 90 percent of beneficiaries currently enrolled in a Part D plan are satisfied with their plan, up 12 points since the beginning of the program in 2006.
In addition to high satisfaction rates, beneficiaries are reporting that they're saving money under Medicare Part D plans. Eighty-six percent say their co-payments are affordable, 85 percent say their monthly premiums are affordable, 91 percent say their plan offers a good value, and 71 percent say they've lowered their prescription drug spending.
"I'm happy my husband is covered," said Elnora Isadore of Lafayette. "He is 85 and he now gets his medicines for free and his diabetic supplies for free."
Carolyn Robinson, 62, of Marrero also says she has no complaints."All my medicines are covered. I am blessed."
Those wanting to enroll or review their Part D plans can call SHIIP at (800) 259-5301. The caller should have on hand a list of their prescription drugs, including the dosage and frequency, Medicare ID card, and a preferred pharmacy that you use to fill your prescriptions.
According to the 2008 survey, 71 percent say they have lowered their prescription drug spending. More than one in four seniors receives medications they once had to skip or ration.
"Still, each year plans, costs and healthcare needs change. It is important for beneficiaries to review and compare their plans annually in order to choose a plan that best suits their needs," said Ms. Dufrene. "Please call us, and if you are uninsured through Part D, let us help you."
For more information, call:
• Louisiana SHIIP - (800) 259-5301
• LouisianaAnswers.com/Senior Rx - (877) 340-9100
• In Baton Rouge/Florida Parishes Only - (800) 280-0908
• In Jefferson/River Parishes - (800) 635-1437
• In New Orleans Only - (888) 922-8522
• In Caddo/Northwest Louisiana - (800) 793-1198
• In Monroe/Northeast Louisiana - (800) 707-2572
• In Central Louisiana - (800) 454-9573
• In Acadiana/Lafayette - (800) 738-2256
• In Houma/Terrebonne - (800) 353-3265
• In Lake Charles/Southwest - (800) 223-5872.
This article was originally published in the November 17, 2008 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper
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