Medicare Open
Enrollment Period Is Here
October 15 through December 7
Illinois Department on Aging
Offers Free Counseling on Medicare Options; Call 1-800-252-8966 or
visit the website at http://www.illinois.gov/aging
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[December 01, 2015]
SPRINGFIELD - To mark the
beginning of the Medicare Open Enrollment period, the Illinois
Department on Aging (IDoA) offers free counseling assistance to help
educate Medicare-eligible individuals and their caregivers about
their Medicare insurance options. Medicare Open Enrollment started
on October 15 and runs through December 7. During this time, people
can shop for a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan or a Prescription Drug
Plan (PDP) for 2016.
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“There are over 1,000 hardworking SHIP certified counselors
assisting Medicare beneficiaries every day. If you need help making
sense of your Medicare choices, please call and make an appointment
with a counselor,” said SHIP Director Sandy Leith. “It is very
important to make sure that your Medicare is working properly for
you and that you have the most cost effective option available where
you live. “
SHIP counselors work through the Medicare.gov plan finder to help
seniors and people with disabilities make the best choices for their
individual situation. To contact SHIP, call 1-800-252-8966 on
weekdays from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. For more information about
SHIP, including a list of SHIP locations, view the website at
http://www.illinois.gov/aging/ship/Pages/default.aspx.
SHIP is a year round program, not affiliated with any insurance
company, and counselors do not sell or solicit any type of
insurance. SHIP counselors in the field make sure seniors and people
with disabilities on Medicare are aware of options that can save
them money. Counselors educate and answer questions about Medicare,
Part A, B, and D, Medicare Supplement insurance, and Medicare
Advantage plans.
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To compare 2016 drug and health plans on your own
and to find out more about Medicare, including preventive services
now covered, visit the federal website at www.medicare.gov or review
your 2016 Medicare & You handbook. You can also call 1-800-Medicare
(1-800-633-4227) Medicare phone lines are open 24/7.
About the Illinois Department on Aging
The Department’s mission is to serve and advocate for older
Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and
culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and
encourage independence, dignity and quality of life. For more
information, call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 (or TTY for
the hearing impaired at 1-888-206-1327), or log on to the website at
www.illinois.gov/aging
[Illinois Department
on Aging] |