Medicare Part D...

If you read my post with the 7 random facts about me, then you know I have some knowledge about Medicare.

If you are a senior or know a senior or anyone who has Medicare, please check your Part D plan to make sure it is still a good plan for you for 2009. There are many changes in my state to the Part D plans and I am sure there are changes in your state. Just because you have had a good deal with your current Part D plan does not mean you will have a good deal with the same plan for 2009.

Medicare has a wonderful website where you can input your Medicare information and a list of your medications and be able to compare all the Part D plans in your zip code. Between November 15th and December 31st, you can even enroll into a Part D plan online through the Medicare website. You can also get help comparing plans by calling 1-800-Medicar(e). This number is open 24hrs a day. They can also enroll you into a plan. You may be able to contact a local senior center or a government agency that can put you into contact with other organizations that can help you compare and enroll into a Part D plan for 2009. Every state has a SHIP office, which is a non-profit volunteer organization funded through grants from Medicare that can help.

Do you need help paying for your prescriptions? If so, contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1212 for an application for Low Income Subsidy. You can also apply online at the Social Security website.

You may want to contact your local Welfare Office and talk with some one about a Medicare Savings Program. This program will help pay for your prescriptions and possibly other medical related expenses if you qualify.

Remember, you must contact and submit applications to programs that assist Medicare Beneficiaries in paying for prescriptions and other medical related expenses. There are set income and resource limits along with other factors that may qualify or disqualify you for the program. The only ones that can tell you if you qualify are those programs who have your application.

Well friends, I have offered quite a bit of information to get you started on comparing and finding a Medicare Part D plan for 2009. My hope with this post (and I am sure a few others during open enrollment) is that those who happen to find my blog and read about Medicare will take the initiative to find help or be to able to help your self finding a plan that works for you.

Maybe the next Medicare post will be about the extra help that is available. I touched on it in this post but there is a little more to know.