The enrollment season for next year's Medicare Part D drug plan ends today, but it’s not too late to seek assistance, both locally and with Medicare representatives by phone, for eligible beneficiaries who still haven’t enrolled for 2013.
Anyone on Medicare is eligible for prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D, or under a Medicare Advantage Plan that takes the place of Medicare.
The Cullman County Commission on Aging offers assistance with the enrollment process, and has staff who can consult with local Medicare Part D enrollees in person, over the phone, or refer plan participants to other helpful resources.
Because today is sure to be busy for last-minute applicants and the local staff assisting with their enrollment, it's important to set aside enough time for the enrollment process. While the commission on aging welcomes late enrollees and stands ready to assist, COA Director Randall Shedd said many will find it more convenient to call the national Medicare 1-800 number to ensure they beat today’s deadline.
“Anyone who still needs to enroll is welcome to come to our office, but the best thing to do on the last day is to call 1-800-MEDICARE [1-800-633-4227] and select the ‘agent’ option from the menu, which will get you through to a live person you can talk to,” he explained. “Whether you come to our office or call the 800 number, be sure to first have your information ready — your Medicare card, a list of the medicines you take and the dosages.”
Those covered under a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or a Medicare Advantage plan should have already received in the mail from their current provider a notice of any changes in the plan for next year.
The Commission on Aging is located at 1539 Sportsman Lake Road NW in Cullman, and is open from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday. The office in closed on holidays, and is closed each business day for lunch from 12 noon until 12:30 p.m.
Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
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The Times' Morning Update for Monday, May 20, 2013
Good morning, readers, this is what's happening in your county today:
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