Waiting for the Last Minute

Mary Loftis

If you’re on Medicare and you’re waiting for the last minute to decide whether or not to change you prescription drug plan, the last minute is almost here. With the Thanksgiving holiday in the mix there is about two weeks until the December 7^th deadline.

There are many ways to make sure you don’t pay too much for your prescription drugs. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). After a few automated button pushes you can get to an operator who will enter your prescriptions into the Medicare Plan Finder. They will then be able to help you decide which plan will save you the most money.

If you have a computer (or a child or grandchild who does) you can take care of this process yourself. Just go to the websitewww.medicare.gov and click on “Find Health and Drug Plans” and you’ll be on your way to comparing your prescriptions, selecting which drug store(s) you want to compare with and deciding which of the 29 Medicare prescription drug plans saves you the most money for 2014. If you’d like to try comparing on the Medicare.gov website but would like a little guidance, just email me atmloftis2@unl.edu and I’ll send you a step by step help sheet to walk you through the process.

If all else fails, call the UNL Extension office in Burt County at 402-374-2929 and make an appointment for a personal comparison session in Tekamah. If Blair is closer, call the UNL Extension office in Washington County at 402-727-2775 and get on the schedule for this Friday, November 22 at the Washington County Extension Office. Three SHIIP trained volunteers will be working that day to help compare plans that fit your needs and save you money. Some people already have the least expensive plan for their needs, but unless you compare, you don’t know that for sure. Don’t give up your peace of mind unless you’ve compared and know your current plan will still be the best value next year.

The Medicare Last Minute is almost here…don’t miss this once a year chance to make sure your Medicare prescription or health plan is the best choice for you

Mary Loftis,

Extension Assistant
UNL Extension – Burt County
111 North 13th Street, Suite 6
Tekamah, NE 68061
Phone: (402) 374-2929

Fax: (402) 374-2930

Internet: mloftis2@unl.edu