DeLuca to host Medicare program
September 6, 2012 1:52PM
Updated: October 10, 2012 6:05AM
The office of state Rep. Anthony DeLuca (D-Chicago Heights) will host an informational program titled “The ABCs of Medicare and Medicare Part D Open Enrollment” at 10 a.m. Sept. 20 on the lower level at the St. James Stephanie Center, 30 E. 15th St., Chicago Heights.
Senior Health Assistance Program volunteer Jerry Strict will present a program on the approaching Medicare Part D open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Information will be given on utilizing SHIP volunteers and the Medicare.gov website, where seniors can research all of the available Medicare Part D plans for 2013.
Medicare Part D plans change every year, and insurance providers are required to notify enrollees of benefit, premium and other changes for the upcoming year, a Bloom Township Senior Services spokeswoman said in a news release. She also said Medicare beneficiaries can compare their current insurance plan with other Part D plans being offered for the upcoming year.
Strict will discuss the importance of knowing prescribed medicines in helping to determine the best plan for 2013. He also will discuss federal assistance to help low-income seniors pay for prescription drug plans through Social Security, otherwise known as Extra Help. This program assists eligible low-income and low-asset Medicare beneficiaries with premium and co-payments.
The program is for new Medicare enrollees, current Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, family and loved ones, the spokeswoman said.
Staff reports
