Understanding and keeping up with changes in your Medicare prescription plan is not always easy to do, which is why a federally funded program will be holding “What’s New With Medicare In 2016” workshops throughout the region over the coming weeks to help simplify next year’s modifications.
Tatiana Fassieux, outreach coordinator at Passages Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), said there will be 25 Medicare prescription drug plans in 2016. That’s slightly fewer plans that this year. Prescription premiums, deductibles and copays will all be affected, she said.
“The changes in some of the cases just for the prescription plans could be significant depending on the individual’s medication,” Fassieux said.
Every year people should review their prescription drug coverage, Fassieux said. They should especially pay attention to mail arriving from their existing plan that says if that plan will still exist the following year, and whether or not their medications will continue to be covered.
Both HICAP and Medicare can help people compare new plans. HICAP is currently taking phone consultations (1-800-434-0222), and folks can call Medicare (1-800-Medicare) 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Fassieux said.
“The unfortunate part is that many people wait until the last moment,” Fassieux said. “Sometimes it’s too late because December 7th is the last day that people can do any kind of changes on their prescription drug plan.”
Medicare’s current annual enrollment period is for both Part D prescription drug plans and Part C Medicare Advantage plans. HICAP’s upcoming workshops will address both. Registration is required by calling: 530-898-6716 or emailing passageshicap@csuchico.edu.
Upcoming “What’s New With Medicare In 2016” Workshops
Chico
Thursday, Nov. 12
Lakeside Pavilion, 2565 California Park Drive
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Red Bluff
Monday, Nov. 16
Cozy Diner, 259 S. Main St.
10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 17
Red Bluff Senior Center, 1500 S. Jackson St.
2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Oroville
Wednesday, Nov. 18
Feather River Recreation and Park District’s Activity Center (Elderberry Room), 1875 Feather River Blvd.
1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.