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Open Enrollment begins November 15th 2008

If you wish to change the Medicare D Plan you were enrolled in during 2008 you may do so beginning November 15th. This marks the beginning of the open enrollment period that allows you to change the plan you were in and begin a new plan January 1st, 2009. The open enrollment period begins each year on November 15th and ends on December 31st. In the event you wish to change plans you must make your election by December 31st to avoid a penalty.

You do not have to notify your current plan if you decide to change plans. The plan you chose will notify your 2008 plan.

Satisfied with your 2008 coverage, do nothing. You will be automatically re-enrolled in the plan you were in if you do not elect to enroll in a different Medicare D Plan for 2009.

When does the plan begin?
Medicare (and Medicaid) participants may enroll in the plan beginning November 15th and the benefits start January 1, 2009.

Key Dates

October 1, 2008
Medicare began mailing the 2009 Medicare and You Handbook that includes valuable information about all areas of Medicare. Section 2 of the Handbook, pages 63 - 81, is all about the 2009 Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.

November 15, 2008
Marks the beginning of the open enrollment period. First day to enroll in a plan for 2009.

December 8, 2008
The ideal date to have selected a plan and sent in your enrollment application. By having selected and sent in the enrollment application by December 8th you should be added to the Medicare D Plan you have selected and have your identification card by January 1, 2009.

December 31, 2008
The last day to make an enrollment change. Marks the end of the open enrollment period.

January 1, 2009
The 2009 Medicare Part D Plan year begins.

Medicare Part D 2009

Monthly Premium: Costs vary by plan.

Initial Deductible: You pay an annual deductible up to $295.00 (which varies by plan and is an increase from $275.00 in 2008).

Initial Coverage Limit: $2,700.00, which is the combined amount of prescription expenses paid by the plan and the co-payments (from $2,510.00 in 2008).

Enter the Coverage Gap (donut hole): after the Initial Coverage Limit has been met coverage stops and you pay all your prescriptions costs until your total prescription expenses reach $6,154.00.

Once expenses reach a combined total, what the plan has paid and what you have paid of $6,154.00 catastrophic coverage begins and your Part D plan pays 95% of covered prescription costs.

**You may be able to choose a plan that will assist you with some of your out of pocket costs. Some plans offer additional coverage during the coverage gap so please review the plans to determine the best plan for you.

Qualifying for additional help

If you have limited income or few assets, you may be able to get additional help from Medicare. You may be eligible for reduced co-payments, lower or no premiums, and a zero deductible. Please review your Medicare and You Handbook for more details or ask your Pharmacist for more information.

You may also contact the SSA or Medicare directly:
Social Security Administration
www.ssa.gov
1-800-772-1213

Medicare
www.medicare.gov
1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227)