Medicare open enrollment runs through Dec. 31

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is reminding people with Medicare that open enrollment for changing their health and prescription drug coverage for 2009 opened Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31.

"This year, because some beneficiaries will see changes in their plans' costs and coverage, it's important that people with Medicare take advantage of the enhanced tools we have available to review the coverage and costs of their health or drug plans for next year," said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems in a news release. Weems said beneficiaries can visit www.medicare.gov or call 800-633-4227 to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan or a prescription drug plan.

"Those beneficiaries who are satisfied with their current plan do not need to do anything to remain in that plan in 2009," Weems added.

Beneficiaries enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans only can make one change in enrollment - enrolling in a new plan, changing plans or disenrolling from a plan - between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2009. The Medicare Advantage open enrollment period, however, cannot be used to start or stop Medicare drug coverage, or to enroll or disenroll in a Medicare Medical Savings Account Plan.

On the Web site, beneficiaries can use the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder and Medicare Options Compare to enter their Medicare number, age, health status, local pharmacy and their current prescriptions to receive detailed information that will help them compare prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans that serve their area. Online users also can find one overall summary score for the five-star ratings of the quality and performance of plans.

The enhanced plan finder helps beneficiaries compare drug plans for the best price and coverage, including estimated out-of-pocket costs, pharmacy networks and formularies. A new feature allows beneficiaries to view estimated monthly mail order drug costs in a bar chart which can be compared to retail drug costs. Beneficiaries without Web access can get the same information by using the toll-free number or checking the 2009 Medicare & You handbook, mailed to beneficiaries in October.

According to the news release, most beneficiaries enrolled in standalone Medicare prescription drug plans will have drug and health coverage premiums that are the same or less than what they paid in 2008. In all states except Alaska, beneficiaries will have access to at least one prescription drug plan that has a monthly premium of less than $20; in Alaska, the cheapest plan will be $23 for drug coverage.

The national average monthly premium for the basic Medicare drug benefit in 2009 is projected to average approximately $28. Those who qualify for the full Medicare subsidy will pay no premiums or deductibles in these plans.

"Medicare's prescription drug benefit and the Medicare Advantage program for health coverage are critical to preserving a better quality of life for beneficiaries," Weems said. "The extensive information and enhanced online comparison tools we've developed - and CMS' strong oversight of marketing activities - will ensure a positive enrollment experience for people with Medicare."[[In-content Ad]]