4. Did the 'doughnot hole' problem get fixed?
See No. 1 above -- the doghnut hole did not get "fixed," although if a person comes to an Enrollment Event, we can look to the future and offer some options to offset the doughnut hole whenever possible.
Those who should take advantage of Open Enrollment dates are those who currently have a Medicare Rx plan. Check even if you think that you're fully satisfied, because plans, premiums change, formularies (list of covered drugs) change. This is the only time of the year that you can review your plan, with a few exceptions:
a. An individual turning 65 years of age or becoming eligible for Medicare through a disability is able to choose and enroll in a Medicare Rx plan.
b. If you are moving to Maryland from another state (or from state to state), you have a 63-day time frame to choose an Rx plan.
c. Any individual losing coverage through an employer group plan has a 63-day right to choose a Rx plan.
d. If a Medicare beneficiary qualifies for "extra financial help" through Social Security and receives an approval letter for any percentage of subsidy, they may enroll in an Rx plan at any time.
Part D enrollment events for senior citizens in 2008
Events run from 9:30 a.m. until noon and from 1:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Bring your Medicare card and a list of your medicines, with the exact dosage. The list is as follows:
o Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Washington County Commission on Aging.
o Wednesday, Nov. 19 at The Senior Center at Girls Inc. 626 Washington Ave., in Hagerstown.(If you require special accommodations, please call 301-790-0275, ext. 208)
o Thursday, Nov. 20, at Washington County Commission on Aging.
o Tuesday, Nov. 25, at Washington County Commission on Aging.
o Tuesday, Dec. 2, at the Washington County. Free Library
o Thursday, Dec. 4, at Washington County. Free Library
o Monday, Dec. 8., at Washington County Commission on Aging.
o Tuesday, Dec. 9 at Washington County Commission on Aging.
o Friday, Dec. 12, at Washington County Commission on Aging.
o Monday, Dec. 15 at Washington County Commission on Aging.
o Thursday, Dec. 18 at Washington County Commission on Aging.
For events at Washington County Free Library, go to 100 S. Potomac Street, second floor computer lab. There is free parking. Check at front desk for elevator access
For events at the Washington County Commission on Aging (301-790-0275), it is located at 140 W. Franklin Street, fourth floor (and there is elevator access).
There is parking in Christ's Reformed Church lot on left side of median (spaces 48-82) or for those with a disability, parking in the "Aspiring to Serve" lot against brick wall facing Prospect Street.
