50+ Lifestyles

Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period

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

You can tell it’s autumn by the falling leaves and Medicare’s Open Enrollment period where people with Medicare can review/shop for a Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plan for 2016. This period happens every year from October 15 through December 7.

Beneficiaries can visit Medicare.gov to search for a plan that is right for them. They can compare costs, coverage and premiums. It is advised that everyone do a comparison to make sure the needed coverage is met for the next year.

If Medicare beneficiaries are satisfied with their current coverage and feel it will meet their needs for 2016, they do not need to do anything. Those with original Medicare can shop for a health or drug plan; or, individuals with Advantage plans may decide switch back to original Medicare.

People with Medicare, their families, and caregivers can review and compare current plan coverage with new plan offerings, using many proven resources, including:

•  Visiting www.medicare.gov to see plan coverage and costs available in their area and enroll in a new plan if they decide to make a change.
•  Calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for around-the-clock assistance in finding coverage options.
•  Reviewing the 2016 Medicare & You handbook. It is accessible online at: www.medicare.gov/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf and has been mailed to the homes of people with Medicare.
•  Getting one-on-one counseling assistance from the local Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Local SHIIP contact information in Iowa can be found by calling Milestones AAA at 1-855-410-6222

November is also National Family Caregiver month.

Milestones AAA, Western Illinois AAA, Alternatives for the Older Adult, and the Alzheimer’s Association are sponsoring informational sessions for caregivers in November. Topics include legal and financial matters, understanding Veteran’s benefits, community resources for the caregiver and how to care for people with dementia at the holidays. Visit the web at www.milestonesaaa.org to learn more about these FREE classes or call Peggy at 563-324-9085, ext 212

Peggy Dykes is Community Relations Director at Milestones Area Agncy on Aging. She can be reached at (563) 324-9085, ext. 212 or at pdykes@milestones aaa.org.