Greater Cincinnati seniors can get help enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan or changing their Medicare health coverage at a special event today.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will bring their “My Health, My Medicare” bus tour to the Hyde Park Kroger store, 3760 Paxton Ave., from 1 to 4 p.m.
“We’re focusing on helping Ohio seniors make the most out of their Medicare coverage,” said Alex Azar, deputy secretary of health and human services.
Azar acknowledged that some seniors were confused by the enrollment process last year, which emphasized signing up for the program online.
But this year, he said, 45,000 seniors enrolled online in the first week of open enrollment, which started Nov. 15.
Seniors and disabled adults can meet with counselors to enroll in or change their Medicare Part D drug coverage. They can also enroll in or change their Medicare health coverage, Azar said.
In addition, seniors can learn about preventive health services and screenings covered by Medicare. Flu shots, blood sugar and blood pressure checks will also be available today.
Enrollment deadline is Dec. 31, but Medicare officials are encouraging seniors to sign up by Dec. 8 to ensure that coverage starts smoothly in January, Azar said.
People who are happy with their Medicare coverage don’t have to do anything to continue their plans, but consumers should review material from their prescription drug and health care plans for coverage changes.
Medicare prescription drug coverage went into effect in January. With the new program, more than 90 percent of seniors nationally have prescription drug coverage, either through Medicare or private coverage, Azar said.
In Ohio, only about 80 percent of seniors have drug coverage, so Medicare officials are concentrating on increasing enrollment in the state, he said.
Low-income seniors might qualify for assistance paying for monthly premiums and co-payments for drug coverage.
To learn more, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-633-4227.
