Medicare Open Enrollment: Time To Review Your Coverage

HARTFORD — Insurance Commissioner Thomas R. Sullivan reminds Connecticut seniors to review current Medicare coverage prior to enrolling in a Medicare plan.

Everyone who has Medicare Part A and /or Part B has the opportunity to change their Medicare Rx plan or join the program for the first time during the annual open enrollment period, which takes place thru December 31.

“It’s important to review your Medicare coverage every year,” Commissioner Sullivan said. “The time invested in understanding your various insurance options can reap many benefits in the coming year.”

With all the choices available in Connecticut, consumers need to know where to go for help. By now, Medicare beneficiaries should have received the 2009 Medicare and ­You Handbook. This tool has state specific information that allows consumers to compare and contrast the various options.

Additional information may be obtained from the CHOICES program (800-994-9422) or Medicare at www.medicare.gov.

Before selecting a prescription drug plan (PDP) or changing coverage, the Insurance Commissioner offers the attached frequently asked questions to help you learn more about your insurance options.

For more information about your Medicare prescription drug options, visit these online sources:

*State of Connecticut Department of Social Services: www.ct.gov/medicarerx

*Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder: www.medicare.gov.

*Department of Social Services, Aging Services Division: www.ct.gov/agingservices

*Connecticut Insurance Department: www.ct.gov/cid

*Social Security: www.socialsecurity.gov

*Center for Medicare Advocacy: www.medicareadvocacy.org

Call CHOICES at 800-994-9422 to speak to a counselor at the Area Agency on Aging serving your area of the state. CHOICES counselors are trained and certified to assist you with your Medicare issues and concerns.

They can also help you with comparing Medicare prescription drug plans, getting extra help to pay for premiums, deductible, and co-pays and enrolling you into the plan of your choice.