Health and drug insurance coverage plans change every year. But this year people who receive Medicare health coverage should pay especially close attention to their “Plan Annual Notice of Change.”
The “Plan Annual Notice of Change” packet, which recipients must receive from their current plan before Oct. 1, contains specific information about changes in coverage, costs or service area that will be effective in January.
Some costly changes may be hidden in this year’s document.
For example, while the cost of Medicare prescription drug coverage has declined overall, many plans have added a drug deductible for 2016 that must be paid before prescription coverage begins.
Other plans have increased the amount that participants pay for doctor visits, ambulance services, or other benefits.
The Multnomah County Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program will provide one-on-one counseling and group presentations to help citizens understand the changes, identify important issues and compare their current coverage with the Medicare plans available for 2016.
The annual Medicare open enrollment period, during which you can switch plans, begins Oct. 15 and extends through Dec. 7.
“Medicare coverage is very individual, and people approach it differently,” said SHIBA/Medicare Outreach Program Coordinator Janet Bowman. “With many choices available, citizens can find plans that are affordable, meet their needs, and cover their healthcare providers. We are here to help them with the search.”
Medicare enrollment assistance will be available at local libraries beginning in October. Participants must register in advance for the one-on-one counseling sessions. The “Making Medicare Easier” presentations, group sessions designed for those who prefer to do their own research, do not require an appointment. Individualized counseling will not be available at the group sessions.
Medicare participants can find more information about Medicare plans at www.medicare.gov, www.oregonshiba.org and in the “Medicare and You 2016” handbook mailed to households.
One-on-one Counseling Sessions (appointments required):
To schedule a one-hour appointment to review your Medicare coverage with a trained, impartial County volunteer, call 504.988.3646 beginning on Oct. 1. Counseling sessions may be scheduled for the following dates:
Monday 10/19 Midland Library 805 SE 122nd Ave., Portland
Friday 10/23 Hillsdale Library 1525 SW Sunset Blvd., Portland
Friday 10/30 Hollywood Library 4040 NE Tillamook St., Portland
Friday 11/6 Midland Library 805 SE 122nd Ave., Portland
Monday 11/9 St. Johns Library 7510 N Charleston Ave., Portland
Friday 11/13 Hollywood Library 4040 NE Tillamook St., Portland
Friday 11/20 Hillsdale Library 1525 SW Sunset Blvd., Portland
Tuesday 11/24 Midland Library 805 SE 122nd Ave., Portland
Friday 12/4 Midland Library 805 SE 122nd Ave., Portland
“Making Medicare Easier” presentations:
Learn about Medicare basics. Master the Medicare Plan Finder. Get tips on choosing a plan. Informational sessions covering these and other topics will help participants navigate the Medicare process with ease. Appointments are not required to attend the hour-long sessions. Presentations are for informational purposes only. Individual counseling will not be provided.
Saturday, 10/24 10:30 a.m. Friendly House, 1737 NW 26th Ave., Portland
Saturday, 11/7 11:30 a.m. Gresham Library, 385 NW Miller Ave., Gresham
Saturday, 11/21 10:30 a.m. Hollywood Library, 4040 NE Tillamook St., Portland
For more information, contact the Multnomah County Aging and Disability Services Helpline at 503-988-3646.