Q. My father has had the same Part D Prescription Drug plan for three years. His doctor put him on two new prescription drugs and suddenly his co-pay has increased. What’s going on and what can we do to lower his drug costs?
A: How much someone pays for drugs through a Medicare Prescription Drug plan, or Medicare Advantage Plan, can change within the year and different reasons can lead to those higher costs. Even without getting a new drug prescribed, drug expenses can change on prescriptions someone might have had for several years due to a change in how much the drug plan is paying for that drug and/or in what portion of their coverage period the individual is, i.e. is the person paying on a deductible? Or in the coverage gap (donut hole)? The new prescriptions could be more expensive because they are not on the plan’s drug formulary (list of covered medications.)
Because so many variables can impact the cost of prescription coverage, it is a good idea to double-check your options every year. You can do this by going online to Medicare.gov and clicking on “Find Health and Drug Plans.” If you don’t have computer access or aren’t comfortable going online, Region IV Area Agency on Aging (RIVAAA) has counselors certified by the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) who are available to assist in objectively reviewing your current Medicare plan and comparing other Medicare drug plan choices. This service is free and confidential. See more information below on how the Open Enrollment appointment process will be handled this year.
Q: With your offices closed to the public right now, where can people go to get help if they want to change their Medicare Part D plan this fall?
A: Although in-person, face-to-face appointments aren’t an option this year, Region IV Area Agency on Aging (RIVAAA) and the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) are here to help during Medicare Open Enrollment. RIVAAA will offer Medicare Open Enrollment Telephone and Zoom appointments from October through the beginning of December. If you have a 2020 Medicare Prescription Drug plan or 2020 Medicare Advantage plan we can help you review for 2021.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2020. In most cases this is the only time you can pick a new Medicare Advantage or Part D plan. Changes you make during Fall Open Enrollment will take effect January 1, 2021.
Don’t miss this important opportunity to make the most of your Medicare coverage. To get a screening packet and sign up for an appointment, contact Mistelle Sleigh at 269-408-4354 or by email at mistellesleigh@areaagencyonaging.org
To learn more about Open Enrollment, to access vital information, and to download documents, visit https://areaagencyonaging.org/medicare-medicaid. Information can also be provided from our Info Line for Aging and Disability staff at 800-654-2810.