50+ Lifestyles

Ready, set, go…get a head start on 2019’s Medicare open enrollment.

By Peggy Dykes
Community Relations Director
Milestone’s Area Agency on Aging

From October 15 to December 7, you’ll have a chance to make key changes to your Medicare healthcare coverage that goes into effect January 1, 2019. Even if you’ve been happy with your current plan, it’s very important to review alternatives especially if you have been prescribed new medications or your health has changed. Research shows that people with Part D could lower their costs by shopping among plans each year. There may be other plans that cover the drugs you take with fewer restrictions and/or lower prices. During this time, you can switch from original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or vice versa. You can also switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or from one Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan to another.

To compare plans, go to www.medicare.gov and click on the personalized search. The site is secure, so no worries about the safety of your personal information. The comparison will list all the insurance choices that fit your needs plus it gives a plan summary for the year. If computers aren’t your thing, you can get one-on-one help from a knowledgeable Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer counselor.

SHIIP counselor can complete a personalized review. They may be able to save you money and still have access to the drugs you need. SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. SHIIP counselors are available across the state to help answer your Medicare questions.

To find an Iowa SHIIP counselor in your area, go to http://www.shiip.state.ia.us or call Milestones Area Agency on Aging toll-free at 1-855-410-6222. In Illinois contact Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging (309) 793-6800.

This is my last article and I have enjoyed sharing aging information with you. I hope you’ve found it helpful. I’m looking forward to retirement and what the future holds. Wishing you all good health and happiness. Sheila Mooney is the new Community Relations Director and will continue to share news in upcoming issues of 50+ Lifestyles.

Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agency on Aging. She can be reached at (563) 484-3147, ext. 212 or at pdykes@milestones aaa.org.