Open enrollment runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 for about 510,000 Minnesotans enrolled in the Medicare drug benefit, out of an overall 755,000 on Medicare.
WHO QUALIFIES?
Any Medicare beneficiary may enroll. In addition to those with Part D, about 70,000 have drug coverage through former employers, 90,000 by military or government retirement plans and 85,000 have no drug coverage.
WHAT'S THE BENEFIT?
Most people reduce their out-of-pocket drug costs, some substantially, under the federally subsidized program.
Next year, typical enrollees will pay a monthly premium and about $1,000 of the first $2,840 in drug costs. Then comes a $3,610 gap in coverage, known as the "doughnut hole," where they'll pay half the cost of brand-name drugs and 93 percent of the cost of generics. After that, the beneficiary pays 5 percent of costs.
HOW DO YOU ENROLL?
Those in a plan that continues next year automatically are reenrolled. But they may change plans anytime during open enrollment. They can contact the insurer or seek help from an adviser at Medicare or the Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line.
TO COMPARE PLANS
Use the Internet comparison tool at www.medicare.gov. You need your list of drugs and dosages and your ZIP code.
HOW CAN I GET HELP?
Minnesota Senior LinkAge Line: 1-800-333-2433, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Statewide help to compare and enroll in a Medicare plan and to find out if you qualify for low-income help.
