The Medicare Part D annual enrollment period begins Tuesday, October 15, and ends Saturday, December 7, 2013. This is the time to change your coverage, if you are not satisfied with your Medicare Part D drug plan or your Medicare Advantage plan. This is also the time when you can enroll, if you did not do so during your initial enrollment period.
If you take several medications, check and see if your current plan is still going to be the best plan for you for 2014. Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselors are available in Whiteside and Lee County to assist Medicare recipients with comparing plans.
Medicare is also available online at www.medicare.gov or by phone at 1-800-633-4227 to help you compare plans.
To get the best results in comparing drug plans you will need an accurate medication list which would include: the full name of the medication, the dosage (i.e. milligrams), and the quantity (amount of pill, vials, etc.) you receive in a one month supply.
The Whiteside County Senior Center (1-815-622-9230 or toll free 1-888-622-9230) has SHIP counselors available to assist you in their Aging and Disabled Resource Centers. Please call ahead of time for an appointment.