Medicare Open Enrollment: Making plan changes for 2008
November 19, 2007

The fall is an important time for people covered by Medicare. This is an opportunity for people who have or want Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage Plans to review their coverage and make changes. This issue of Tools to Use contains easy-to-use reference guides to help you advise clients during Medicare Open Enrollment.

Open Enrollment for Part D is Nov 15 - Dec 31. If your client already has Medicare and they want to enroll in Part D or change their Part D Plan, they need to do so during this time period. Open Enrollment for Advantage Plans begins Jan 1. Please see "Medicare Open Enrollment Calendar" in this issue for more information about these and other enrollment periods.

This guide shows when Medicare clients can make changes to their coverage. It also includes information on when people can join Medicare for the first time. More...

Part D companies can, and often do, change the list of medications that they cover from year to year. We recommend that most people with Medicare Part D take a moment this fall to verify that their current plan will continue to cover their medications adequately in 2008.  More...

Use this chart of Medicare Advantage Plans (or Health Plans) offered in 2008 here in Whatcom County to find out what medical clinics accept each plan. More...

There are three DSHS programs and one Social Security program that can help people save money on premiums, copays, and other costs associated with Medicare A, B, and D. More...

Please forward this newsletter to anyone who might be interested!