Navigating Medicare Open Enrollment

Statement

Through the Medicare Part D program, seniors can purchase private prescription drug plans at affordable prices. The annual open enrollment period encourages competition among Part D insurers, helping to keep costs lower and giving beneficiaries more choices.

During open enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7, seniors have the opportunity to make changes to their Part D plans.

Beneficiaries who are satisfied with their current coverage do not need to take any action during open enrollment, as long as their plans are continuing in 2017. However, it is strongly recommended all Medicare enrollees review their options to ensure their current plan is still the best one to meet their needs.

Not only has Part D become an asset to Medicare beneficiaries, but it is also a success for taxpayers. In 2004, projections showed Part D would cost $122 billion in 2012. The actual 2012 cost for the program was $55 billion, or 55 percent less than estimated. Given the $19 trillion debt facing our country, any federal program which costs less than half its estimated budget should serve as an example for further reforms.

Nearly 41 million Americans are enrolled in Part D, but maneuvering through the process can still be confusing and frustrating. Many seniors find it difficult to determine which plan is best for them.

To ensure Third District seniors have access to the latest Medicare information, I will host my annual Senior Services Fairs on November 21-22 in Scottsbluff and Grand Island. Seniors and caregivers can meet directly with Medicare experts and get their questions answered. Attendees should bring a complete list of their prescriptions, including dosing information, in order to find the plan which best fits their needs.

Officials from the Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will be on hand to consult individually with seniors on available plans. Experts will also be available to answer questions about Social Security and veterans benefits. Licensed pharmacists will provide prescription drug information, and free blood pressure screenings will be offered.

The Scottsbluff Senior Services Fair will be held on November 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon (MT) at the Harms Advanced Technology Center. On November 22, the Grand Island Senior Services Fair will take place at the Grand Generation Center from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (CT). If you have questions about these events, please call my Grand Island office at 308-384-3900.

For those unable to attend the Senior Services Fairs, there are other ways to review and select a Part D plan. By visiting Medicare.gov, you can learn more about available options, check your current enrollment, and apply for a plan. You also speak with experts by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or the Nebraska SHIIP at 1-800-234-7119.

My staff and I are always happy to answer questions and connect Nebraskans with the information they need. If you are looking for assistance with Medicare or any other federal program, please call my office or send me a note through my website at AdrianSmith.house.gov to let me know how I can help.

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