Hamm reminds North Dakotans that Medicare annual enrollment is coming up Posted on 11/4/2010
Do you have a yellow card like this? Bring it along to an enrollment event to expedite assistance.
BISMARCK, N.D.-North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm today reminded North Dakotans that the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is right around the corner: Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2010.
"There are fewer plans to choose from for the 2011 plan year, so it's very important that Medicare beneficiaries review their options to make the best choice," Hamm said.
The Insurance Department's State Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIC) staff is traveling to eight cities around the state during the annual enrollment period, offering free assistance in switching or enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you will be attending an event and have been given a yellow drug retrieval card, please bring it to the event for expedited service.
Eligible North Dakotans who are unable to attend an annual enrollment event can call 2-1-1. After answering a few questions, a customized comparison list of Part D plans will be sent to callers. Once a plan is chosen, enrolling is easy. Beneficiaries can:
Enroll directly with the plan by calling the plan's toll-free number
Call their insurance agent
Go to www.medicare.gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227
Call RSVP+ at 701-258-5436 12:30-3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Nov. 17-Dec. 27 (appointments required)
Call SHIC at 1-888-575-6611
"It's important for beneficiaries to make sure their prescriptions are covered under the plan they choose for 2011 and that the plan is accepted by their preferred pharmacy," Hamm said. Beneficiaries who are satisfied with the plans they have do not have to do anything--they will be re-enrolled automatically.
For details on the annual enrollment events, call SHIC at 1-888-575-6611 or visit www.nd.gov/ndins.
