COA to host Medicare Checkup

The Van Wert Independent

Ohio Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor has announced the Department’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program will hold a free “Medicare Checkup” event in Van Wert County Thursday, October 20^th at 9 a.m.  The Van Wert County Council on Aging will host the event which has been scheduled to coincide with Medicare’s annual election period, now running October 15^th through December 7^th.

Those who attend will be able to review recent changes to Medicare and determine their best coverage option for 2012.  Attendees may schedule an appointment for personal counseling by calling 419-238-5011.

Lt. Governor Taylor said, “It’s important that beneficiaries are aware that the Medicare annual enrollment period begins one month earlier and ends three weeks earlier than previous years.”

From October 15^th through December 7^th beneficiaries can select one of several health options, or determine if their existing coverage will meet their health insurance needs for the upcoming year.  Taylor says, “When reviewing plan options, Ohioans should keep three things in mind: convenience, cost and coverage.”  Examples would be to consider using pharmacies near where you live, take into account “out of pocket” expenses and to insure that a plan’s covered drug list includes your prescriptions.

At Thursday’s checkup event, beneficiaries can learn about recent changes such as the new Medicare deductibles, co-pay and coinsurance amounts; Medicare Advantage and Part D plan options for 2012; and also about financial assistance programs.  On-site coverage enrollment is expected to be available and attendees should bring their prescription drug list with dosages and preferred pharmacy.  Also, information on pensions, Veteran’s Administration or other medical care benefits they receive.

The Van Wert County Council on Aging is located at 220 Fox Road in Van Wert.

Lt. Governor Taylor also cautions Ohioans to beware of predatory sales practices during annual enrollment.  Insurance agents are prohibited from using high pressure sales tactics, conducting door-to-door sales for Medicare Advantage Plans and representing themselves as being “from” Medicare.