 White Plains, NY - Do you have questions about Medicare enrollment for 2008? If so, call the Medicare Information Line at Westchester County’s Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) for answers.
The number is (914) 813-6100, and callers will be able to speak with trained counselors in English or Spanish for customized advice on which plan best fits their needs.
The Medicare open enrollment for 2008 runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. But DSPS has already started to accept calls on Medicare-related topics, such as Part D - which subsidizes prescription drugs costs –as well as Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance and appeals.
Callers can also receive information about the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program. EPIC is a New York State-sponsored plan that helps eligible seniors pay prescription drug costs.
More than 2,000 seniors called the Medicare Information Line for help last year.
The federal government mailed seniors information last month about the changes that take effect on Jan. 1, 2008.
Enrollment is not mandatory. But DSPS Commissioner Mae Carpenter said it is essential that seniors at least read that new information because they may learn that their current plan is changing in 2008.
“We can help seniors make informed decisions about whether their current plan will still be right for them next year, ” Carpenter said. “For example, it’s possible their premiums will be raised and they may want to consider a less expensive plan. Also their current plan may automatically cover a brand-name drug they now use. But changes in that plan for 2008 may require them to try the generic version of that drug first and they might not want to do that.”
Counselors will help seniors assess their options and send them computer print-outs of the three plans that appear to be best for them and information about how to contact the providers.
Before seniors call the Information Line, they should have at hand a list of their current prescription drugs and dosages as well as their Medicare/insurance card and the name of their favorite pharmacy.
More information about Medicare is available on DSPS’ Web site at www.westchestergov.com/seniors.htm and at www.Medicare.gov, the government’s official Medicare site.
Separately, DSPS will present a free, introductory program on Medicare on Nov. 29 from 10 a.m. to noon in the eighth-floor conference room at the County Office Building, 9 S. First Ave., Mount Vernon.
The talk will include information about Medicare parts A, B, C and D as well as how to use EPIC
for even more savings.
Medigap insurance, cost-sharing and preventive benefits will also be discussed. The speaker will be Eric Hausman, an expert in Medicare outreach and education for National Government Services.
For more information or to register, call DSPS’ Medicare Information Line at (914) 813-6100.
 |
