Event offers information about Medicare plans

OSHIIP is the state’s lead program for Medicare
information.

YOUNGSTOWN — Medicare prescription drug plans take center stage Monday at the Senior Center of Mahoning County as the Ohio Department of Insurance hosts a Medicare Check-Up Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Senior Center of Mahoning County is at 1110 Fifth Ave.

At the event, the department’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program representatives will provide information on recent Medicare changes, compare various Part D plans and also advise seniors on how to use pension, Veterans Administration or other drug coverage in lieu of Part D coverage.

Now in its 15th year, OSHIIP is the state’s lead program for Medicare information and Part D enrollment assistance.

Conducted in each Ohio county, Check-Up Days coincide with the Medicare annual open-enrollment period, which runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31.

People on Medicare can enroll in a Part D Medicare prescription drug plan, or if they have already enrolled, switch to another Part D or Medicare Advantage plan for coverage that begins Jan. 1.

“I strongly encourage people to attend or call our OSHIIP hot line at [800] 686-1578 with any questions about Medicare,” said Mary Jo Hudson, director of Ohio Department of Insurance.

Other topics include financial assistance, Medicare’s preventive benefits and managing drug expenses during the Part D coverage “doughnut hole,” or gap in coverage.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a list of their prescription drugs, dosages, preferred pharmacy and information on pension, VA or other medical care benefits they are receiving.

During the open-enrollment period, people eligible for Medicare can evaluate their options for prescription drug coverage, and if necessary, enroll in the plan that best suits their needs, says an ODI press release.

Those who qualify for financial assistance can get help paying premiums, deductibles and drug co-payments, potentially saving even more.

For a complete listing of available Part D plans, answers to Medicare questions and assistance in enrolling in prescription drug coverage, call the OSHIIP hot line or Medicare at (800) 633-4227. You can also visit the Web site www.medicare.gov.

A listing of OSHIIP’s Check-Up Days is available at www.ohioinsurance.gov.