Aging Agency Provides Help with Medicare Enrollment

The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) APPRISE Health Insurance Counseling Program has scheduled three public events to assist all Medicare beneficiaries during the Open Enrollment period, Oct. 15 – Dec. 7.

Open Enrollment is the one time when ALL people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their coverage.

New benefits are available for all people with Medicare – whether you choose Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan – including lower prescription costs, wellness visits, and preventive care.  By taking advantage of Open Enrollment, you may be able to save money, get better coverage, or both.

What is the benefit of having an earlier enrollment period?

Beginning this year, Open Enrollment starts earlier and lasts longer (7 full weeks) to give you enough time to review and make changes to your coverage.  Also, beginning this year, you will need to make your final selection for next year’s Medicare coverage by Dec. 7.  This change ensures Medicare has enough time to process your choice, so your coverage can begin without interruption on Jan. 1.

Take the time to review and compare, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you typically use the December holidays to discuss health care options with family or friends, plan to consider the options earlier.  Also remember, the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging’s APPRISE counselors are available to help.

• Visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan to compare your current coverage with all of the options that are available in your area and enroll in a new plan, if you decide to make a change.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options.  TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
• Review the “Medicare & You 2012” handbook.  It is mailed to people with Medicare in September.
• Schedule a FREE appointment for one-on-one help from an APPRISE counselor at one of our office sites in Bensalem, Bristol, Levittown, Doylestown, Perkasie, or Quakertown by calling 267-880-5700.

Special enrollment events are being scheduled which are free and open to the public.  Representatives from Independence Blue Cross, Aetna, Bravo, and Social Security will be present to answer any questions you may have. APPRISE counselors will be available at these events to educate consumers about Medicare plans and to assist with enrollment. Bring your current insurance cards and a list of your current medications, including dosages and frequency.

These scheduled events are:

• Oct. 17, 11a.m. – 1 p.m.
  Bristol Township Senior Center
  2501 Bath Rd.
  Bristol, PA 19007
  215-785-6322
• Nov. 15, noon – 3 p.m.
  Upper Bucks Senior Citizens Center
  c/o Milford Square Fire Co.
  2183 Milford Square Pk.
  Milford, PA 18951
  215-536-3066
• Nov. 28, 10 a.m. – noon
  Benjamin H. Wilson Senior Center
  580 Delmont Ave.
  Warminster, PA 18974
  215-672-8380

For more information, please contact AAA APPRISE Coordinator Donna Damiani at 267-880-5707.