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 each year from November 15th thru December 31st.
“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 your 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, go to www.medicare.gov.
· Department of Social Services, Aging Services Division: www.ct.gov/agingservices
· Center for Medicare Advocacy: www.medicareadvocacy.org
Call CHOICES at 1-800-994-9422 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 your premiums, deductible, and co-pays and enrolling you into the plan of your choice.
ABOUT THE CONNECTICUT INSURANCE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Connecticut Insurance Department is to serve consumers in a professional and timely manner by providing assistance and information to the public and to policy makers, by regulating the insurance industry in a fair and efficient manner which promotes a competitive and financially sound insurance market for consumers, and by enforcing the insurance laws to ensure that consumers are treated fairly and are protected from unfair practices. For more information, visit the Connecticut Insurance Department at www.ct.gov/cid.
