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Medicare Information

Low Income Subsidy Education & Enrollment

Anyone who has Medicare can receive Medicare prescription drug coverage.  Some individuals with limited income and resources may also be able to receive “Extra Help” with the costs such as monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments related to a Medicare prescription drug plan. 

To find out if you qualify for this special program, call the Area Agency on Aging District 7 at 1-800-582-7277 and ask for Kristy Bowman at extension 22250 or e-mail info@aaa7.org. 

CLICK HERE for more information.

 

Medicare Part D Education & Enrollment

Congress passed federal legislation creating the Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Assistance Program in 2003 and the program was implemented January 1, 2006. This program is available to anyone eligible for Medicare Part A or Part B. Individuals with Medicare may enroll in Part D coverage through either a stand-alone plan or a Medicare Advantage plan. Those on Medicare who choose not to enroll and have no other drug coverage may pay a penalty for late enrollment.

Each year, during open enrollment (October 15th - December 7th), you should review your Part D plan options and look for three things:

  • Convenience – know what pharmacies you can use;
  • Cost – know all the possible out-of-pocket expenses you may have to pay;
  • Coverage – make sure the list of covered drugs (formulary) includes your prescriptions.

People who are new to Medicare have a seven-month enrollment to choose a Part D plan – three months before their birthday, the month of their birthday, and three months after their birthday.

People who miss their initial enrollment period can enroll during open enrollment (October 15 – December 7) to enroll or change plans for the following calendar year.

People who lose their creditable coverage have 63 days from the plan termination to enroll in a Part D plan with no penalty.

Depending upon your income, individuals may be eligible for the LIS (Low-Income Subsidy) Assistance “Extra Help” program, which helps pay your premiums, helps pay your prescription drug costs, and keeps you out of the “donut hole”.

For assistance in reviewing your Part D plan, or eligibility for the Extra Help program, AAA7 has a Benefits Specialist to help you. Call 1-800-582-7277 and ask for Kristy Bowman, extension 250, or e-mail info@aaa7.org.

 

Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program 

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), founded in 1992, is a state and federally-funded program that educates, counsels, and advocates for Medicare beneficiaries. OSHIIP assists Ohio Medicare beneficiaries and their family members through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-686-1578, the Department website, a speakers’ bureau, educational publications, and a network of approximately 1,200 statewide trained and certified volunteers. The program is managed by the Ohio Department of Insurance.

AAA7 has several staff trained as OSHIIP volunteers and can be reached at 1-800-582-7277. AAA7 staff regularly partner with OSHIIP staff during special Medicare outreach events such as Medicare Check-Up Days and “Medicare & You” events.

CLICK HERE for information on the Medicare Savings Plan (MSP) that might help you save money if you qualify.