12/06/2006

The time is now

Seniors must make decision on Medicare Part D

BY BECKY KALAJIAN
Special to the Record-Eagle

Record-Eagle/Tyler Sipe
Rob Frears analyzes computer data for Estelle Slater's Medicare Part D at the Traverse City Senior Center. "It's stressful," Slater, a resident of Traverse City, said. "I want him (Frears) to make the decision." Frears smiled and replied "And I'm not going to do it."

TRAVERSE CITY — Agencies serving senior citizens here say they are concerned that the area's 55,000 older adults aren't getting the message.

About Medicare Part D, that is.

There hasn't been much information from the feds about re-enrollment for Medicare/Medicaid Part D prescription drug coverage, they say. The subsidized drug coverage program for those 65 and older began in January of last year; now, senior citizens have until Dec. 31 to figure out if the plan they selected was appropriate or if they need to choose another from the 56 options available.

"The message we need to get out to everyone in our area is this: the time to re-evaluate is now. If there is confusion, we can help,” said Sue Graybill, coordinator of contracted services for the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan, which covers 10 counties.

For many senior citizens last year, Medicare Part D was heralded as a saving grace — a federally subsidized prescription drug program that complemented their Part A hospital coverage and Part B physician, home health and medical equipment care.

Though the 11 million-plus seniors covered under Medicare/Medicaid found relief with the subsidies, there was nonetheless a price to pay: mass confusion as to which of the myriad coverage plans worked best for them.

Each year, anyone 65 or older must re-enroll and, if their prescription needs have changed, select a new private insurer. Those who simply do nothing will pay — there is a penalty assessed for every month not enrolled; the penalty is permanent even if they do eventually sign up, said Graybill.

Nov. 15 was the start date for this coming year's enrollment — and no one should assume that their current coverage is still the best for them, said Lori Wells, director of the Traverse City Senior Center.

"This year, many changes are taking place that all seniors need to know about,” said Wells, whose center services approximately 18,000 seniors in Grand Traverse County. "And you can just imagine how confusing it is — deciphering 50-plus different plans, each of them a little bit different than the next.”

To help people navigate the murky waters of Part D's re-enrollment period, the Senior Center has partnered with the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan.

Anyone needing help deciding which plan best suits their needs only has to make an appointment. Volunteer counselors trained through the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program will help.

In the 10-county region, Graybill said that there are approximately 40 volunteers on hand to meet with anyone who needs help deciding. In some counties, volunteers work at the county Commission on Aging offices. In Grand Traverse County, volunteers are available at the Area Agency on Aging or at the Senior Center; if necessary, volunteers can go to those who are homebound.

Both Wells and Graybill said that the AARP Web site (www.aarp.com) has an interactive tool to help choose the best plan. Senior citizens can also call 1-800-Medicare or log on to www.Medicare.gov to find the least expensive plans.

To speak to a volunteer, call either the Traverse City Senior Center at 922-4911, the local Commission on Aging, or the Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan at (800) 442-1713