Need Help Choosing a Medicare Part D Plan?

With the annual Medicare Part D Open Enrollment about to start, Medicare recipients are being inundated with post cards, flyers and letters, many of them legitimate; some just this side of legal, if not
downright misleading. Adding to the confusion are significant changes to Medicare
enrollment rules this fall, making it more vital than ever for beneficiaries to check their coverage carefully to ensure they are
enrolled in a plan that will continue to meet their health needs and budget.

The good news is that once again JABA’s VICAP volunteers will available to assist people with assessing their Medicare coverage options this enrollment season, which this year runs from Monday November 15 through Friday,
December 31, 2010.

Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to contact VICAP as soon as possible to set up a counseling appointment. A high volume of
callers is expected this year. To request an appointment, the public
should call (434) 817-5222.

About VICAP

The Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) at JABA works to help people in Central Virginia understand their Medicare benefits, bills and rights. VICAP services are free,
confidential and available to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and
caregivers.

VICAP counselors can help Medicare beneficiaries:

• Review current coverage
• Check qualification for low-income programs
• Compare plans with all available options
• Search for specific plans online that meet specific prescription and medical needs
• Give easy-to-understand answers to questions about Medicare
• Help enroll in a plan online

Beneficiaries may also use online tools available at www.medicare.gov (the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder or Medicare Options Compare for health coverage)
to review options for 2011. They can compare cost and coverage information on
plans serving their area by entering their Medicare number, age, health status,
local pharmacy, and their current prescriptions.

For information on JABA and answers to other aging related questions, contact JABA at (434) 817-5222 or visit the website www.jabacares.org.