FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Reza Mizbani | Reza.Mizbani@aging.ny.gov | 518-474-7181 Barbara Stubblebine | Barbara.Stubblebine@aging.ny.gov | 518-474-4425 October 17, 2018
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New York State Office for the Aging Reminds Older New Yorkers about Medicare Open EnrollmentOpen enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7, 2018. Older adults with Medicare encouraged to review current health plan and prescription drug coverage options |
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New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen reminds older New Yorkers that the Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 through December 7, 2018. Medicare health and prescription drug plans can make changes each year to costs, coverage, and what providers and pharmacies are in their networks. The open enrollment period is when all people with Medicare can change their health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet their needs. Plan changes take effect January 1, 2019. “People’s health and financial status can change over the course of a year. At the same time, plans can change what they will cover and also adjust the cost to the beneficiary. This is an important time of year for older adults to review their plans—what they cover and what they cost—to ensure they are getting the best deal for themselves,” said Olsen. “Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) counselors at each local office for the aging can provide older New Yorkers with the information needed to make an informed choice about a plan that is a good value and meets their health care and prescription drug coverage needs.” Several resources are available to help Medicare beneficiaries and their families review and compare current plan coverage with new plan offerings:
New Medicare Cards Coming in 2018/2019. Medicare began mailing new Medicare cards in April 2018, and will continue through April 2019. New cards will have a new Medicare number that’s unique to each person, instead of a Social Security number. This will help older adults protect their identity. It is important for New Yorkers to safeguard their Medicare information. Once the new card is received, people should safely and securely destroy their old card, which has their Social Security number on it. Below are some helpful tips for Medicare recipients about the new card:
The mission of the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is to help older New Yorkers be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them. Stay connected to the New York State Office for the Aging—download the NYSOFA mobile app for iOS or Android; visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter; or visit www.aging.ny.gov. |
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