WASHINGTON – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) reminded northern Michigan seniors of the Medicare prescription drug program’s open enrollment period from Nov. 15 until Dec. 31, 2008. 

“If seniors are happy with their Medicare prescription drug plan, they do not need to do anything,” Stupak said.  “However, if there is a prescription drug plan that would better serve their needs, seniors may switch between now and the end of the year.”

The annual open enrollment period for the Medicare prescription drug benefit is from Nov. 15 until Dec. 31. On Jan. 1 all selections are locked in for 2009. Changes can only be made during the open enrollment period and take effect on Jan. 1, 2009.

For beneficiaries enrolling into Medicare Advantage plans only, they 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. However, the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period cannot be used to start or stop Medicare drug coverage, or to enroll or disenroll in a Medicare Medical Savings Account Plan.

“Once the New Year begins, the prescription drug plan that a senior is enrolled becomes their only option for the rest of the year,” Stupak said.  “I encourage seniors in northern Michigan to take this opportunity to review the benefits of their current drug plan, compare it with other drug plans and make an informed decision.”

Stupak noted that there are a number of information sources that seniors may utilize in comparing Medicare prescription drug plans. Detailed information can be found in the Medicare and You handbooks, at 1-800-MEDICARE, and online at www.medicare.gov.  The information will include report cards that rate plans based on a range of factors, such as customer service, drug pricing, pharmacy locations and how easy it is to have prescriptions filled. Plan Finder also lets beneficiaries compare out of pocket costs and pharmacy networks in their areas.  

Beneficiaries can also call the Michigan Medicaid/Medicare Assistance Program (MMAP) at 1-800-803-7174 or visit them online at www.mymmap.org. MMAP is a free health-benefit counseling service and provides education and counseling assistance to Michigan’s Medicare beneficiaries and their families or representatives. MMAP can answer questions about the Medicare prescription drug coverage and help seniors select a prescription plan.