Open enrollment for Medicare is October 15 through December 7. Plans will go in effect January 1. The Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free service that provides information, counseling and assistance to seniors and disabled individuals needing to sign up for Medicare. SHIP doesn't sell health insurance products, but offers guidance. Program Coordinator Kellie Oliver joins Kate Lochte on Sounds Good to explain the upcoming open enrollment.
Open enrollment is Medicare open enrollment for those who would like to change their Medicare Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan to find a more cost effective alternative, and for those who didn't sign up initially upon becoming eligible to sign up.
Medicare Part D drug coverage has over plans available with a variety of differences, varying in deductibles and premiums. Medicare Advantage Plan combines hospital, doctor and drug coverage in to a 'one-stop shop' plan. SHIP meets with individuals to look for the plan with the lowest cost to the individual and will review options. Which one to choose is ultimately up to the individual.
Tools and worksheets available at Medicare.gov
Kellie Oliver can be reached at 270-247-9426 to make an appointment. She is located in Mayfield at the Purchase Area Development District and will be visiting various senior centers in 8 surrounding counties: Ballard, Calloway, Carlisle, Fulton, Graves, Hickman, Marshall and McCracken Counties - coordinate an appointment with your center activity director. Kellie Oliver says the SHIP service can be provided over the phone, but since going over plan options is largely a visual process, it's more complicated to do so.
