Courtney Reminds Connecticut Seniors to Review Medicare Coverage in Open Enrollment

WASHINGTON, DC – Today U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (CT-2) issued a reminder to Medicare beneficiaries in eastern Connecticut that open enrollment begins today and extends through December 7, 2014. Medicare open enrollment is the period when beneficiaries can change their health plan and prescription drug coverage for 2015. If an enrollee's current plan meets the enrollee's health care needs in 2015, the enrollee will not do not need to do anything additional.

"Medicare open enrollment only comes once a year, so it is important that Medicare beneficiaries review their current health plan and prescription drug coverage to make sure it fits with their expectant health needs," Courtney said. "With significant provider network changes in UnitedHealth's Medicare Advantage plans last year, coverage review is especially critical and there are resources available to help you find a plan that will best meet your needs. Medicare CHOICES counselors are available to beneficiaries in Connecticut free of charge and can be reached by calling 1-800-994-9422."

In the Medicare Part D program, insurance carriers are permitted to change the drug formulary—the list of covered drugs, both generic and brand name—at any time throughout the year. Changes in drug formulary impacts how much beneficiaries pay out-of-pocket. This makes the open enrollment period that much more critical to enrollees so that they may change their plan if it is no longer meeting their health care needs.

For those enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, traditional Medicare is also always an enrollment option. Thanks to historic moderation in Medicare spending, standard Part B premiums will not increase in 2015. Despite claims that Part B premiums would rise significantly for seniors, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently confirmed the standard premium for 2015 will be $104.90—the same as in 2013 and 2014.

Medicare CHOICES Program

The Medicare CHOICES program is a resource in Connecticut that provides older adults with health insurance counseling, information and referral to senior services, and eligibility screening for general state and federal benefits programs, including assistance in Medicare Part B and D for low-income seniors. The program is free to use and eastern Connecticut seniors can talk to a CHOICES counselor by calling 1-800-994-9422.

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