GeorgiaCare will help beneficiaries renew their medicare Part D options

It's the season for seniors to start thinking about their Medicare Part D Drug Plan Options for 2008, and GeorgiaCares is offering help.

Companies will start marketing their prescription drug plans, leading up to the Medicare Open Enrollment period, which begins November 15, 2007. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services' (DAS) GeorgiaCares program are advising people who wish to make a change to do so as close to the opening date as possible to ensure that their coverage will be available on January 1, 2008. GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors and the statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging will provide community education sessions and answer hotline calls to help beneficiaries understand their options for next year.

"In 2008, there will be more Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans. GeorgiaCares SHIP counselors will be available to help people sort through their options to choose the one that best meets their individual needs and preferences," said DAS Director Maria Greene.

GeorgiaCares SHIP urges everyone to review their coverage and make sure that any changes to the plan for 2008 will still meet their needs, and to review the Annual Notice of Change form for any changes in formulary coverage. Beneficiaries who do not want to make a change will be able to remain in their plan from 2007.

GeorgiaCares SHIP has trained counselors who offer free informa- tion, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries on Medicare, Medicaid and Medigap matters, including Medicare Advantage health plan options, long-term care insurance, claims, resolution to billing problems, information and referral on public benefit programs aimed at those with limited incomes and assets, and other health care insurance information.

Beneficiaries who want to consider all of their options will have access to help from many sources including: a notice of any coverage changes from their drug plan; the enhanced Medicare Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov; the Medicare & You 2008 annual handbook that explains Medicare coverage; 1-800- Medicare (1-800-633-4227) which will be available 24/7; and GeorgiaCares - Local Help for People with Medicare, 1-800-669-8387.