Medicare Open Enrollment Event

Fort Smith

by  () November 18, 2008 12:27 pm 76 views 

 Area seniors, disabled adults or caregivers who need assistance enrolling in (or deciding if they even need) a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan may call the RSVP Center at 783-4155 for an appointment. Assistance is without charge and will be provided by trained, experienced senior volunteers.   Medicare recipients have only six weeks (November 15th thru December 31st) to buy a prescription drug plan for 2009.

 
All people with Medicare should:
  • Review the 2009 costs for their current drug and health plan. (Look at premium, co-pays and deductibles)
  • Compare the cost and coverage to other plans in their area. (Check to see if the plan covers their medicines, works with their pharmacy and doctors, and covers the services they need)
  • Choose a plan that meets their needs.
 
The WestArk RSVP (Retired and Senior Volunteer Program), a local organization of volunteers 55 years of age and older, has trained a group of its members to educate other seniors about Medicare and Medicaid fraud. This group of volunteers, known as RSVP Community Outreach has helped hundreds of local Medicare recipients choose a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan. RSVP Community Outreach volunteers are concerned about the potential for fraudulent, misleading and/or high pressure sales practices during the current enrollment period.
 
With 52 different prescription drug plans and 23 Medicare Advantage plans, the choice of a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan can be a confusing decision for many Arkansas seniors. Using the tools provided on the Medicare web site www.Medicare.gov, RSVP volunteers will help Arkansas Medicare recipients search for the plan that best meets their needs and their pocketbooks. RSVP Community Outreach volunteers have access to eight computers at Barbara’s Computer Lab located at the RSVP Center.
 
RSVP Community Outreach volunteers can also provide assistance to seniors needing help with Extra Help and QMB applications – both programs aid seniors with modest incomes by paying Medicare Part D premiums and offering prescriptions at a low cost.