Choosing a Drug Plan

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Free Medicare Enrollment Counseling

Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to choose their prescription drug and health plans during the Medicare open enrollment period October 15 to December 7, 2011. Whether you are new to Medicare or changing plans, you can receive free one-on-one counseling from a State-certified benefits counselor by calling United Way’s Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County at 817-258-8125.

If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible to receive extra help with your Medicare prescription drug expenses. Counseling is available to both Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Learn more from the video below.

Choosing a Medicare Drug Plan

Everyone with Medicare is eligible for prescription drug coverage. People must choose and join a Medicare drug plan in order to get Medicare coverage for their prescriptions. If you have not joined a plan, you can join during the next open enrollment period.

The Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County, which is part of United Way, offers these suggestions on finding the best drug coverage for you:

First, make sure you have your Medicare card and a list of your prescriptions. Then choose one of these options:

• Go to Medicare’s Web site: www.medicare.gov. Click on "Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans," then click on "Find a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan." The Web site will walk you through various options and give you the best plans for you. You can even enroll online. 
• Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 for help in choosing a plan. The Medicare telephone line is answered 24 hours per day, seven days a week, but call during off-hours to avoid a long wait. 
•  Call drug coverage plan sponsors directly and ask them to send you a packet of information. You can enroll with the sponsor by telephone or by mail. 
•  If you live in Tarrant County, you can call the Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County Benefits Counseling line at 817-258-8125 for help in finding a plan. Calls are returned from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.