The Minnesota Senior Federation's Health Plan Information Center fielded 251 inquiries about Medicare Programs in April. Another 170 inquiries were handled during just the first half of the May. The topic that overwhelmingly ruled the day during the winter and spring was the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. 

The Senior Federation's faithful contingent of volunteer counselors in the Information Center served contacts from individuals, couples and families, professionals and agencies regarding Medicare beneficiaries with an average age of 71. Many people made appointments to come in to the Federation and meet with a volunteer counselor. These pre-scheduled, face-to-face services with personalized assistance were provided by our core of dedicated volunteers who often worked extra hours to make sure everyone received the help they needed.  

In Minnesota, 51 percent of eligible Medicare recipients had enrolled in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan as of June 11 (some of these rolled into Part D from Advantage Plans with drug coverage before Jan. 1, 2006).  Another 26 percent already either had creditable coverage before Jan. 1, 2006, or were automatically enrolled into Part D through another government health program. Out of 711,498 people eligible to enroll in Minnesota, that left 23 percent with no known prescription drug coverage as of June 11.

Of the 23 percent of Minnesota Medicare beneficiaires without any kind of prescription drug coverage, those who qualify for the Extra Help paying for Part D can still sign up. For everyone else, you'll have another chance to sign up the end of this year. It's a good time now for people to call the Health Plan Information Center to learn about the Medicare Part D program. That way, you can be sure you're making an educated decision about the program. And, when it's time to enroll in November, the whole program won't be quite so confusing!

This fall also presents the opportunity for current Part D beneficiaries to take a look at the plan they have enrolled in to see if it is meeting their prescription needs. Formularies (lists of covered drugs), drug prices and premiums will change as of Jan. 1, 2007, and the next opportunity for most people to switch plans will be Nov. 15-Dec. 31, 2006.

If you need help, call the Health Plan Information Center, 10 a.m.-noon, and 1-3 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 651/783-5045 or toll-free 866/783-5045.