Medicare open enrollment has started

Medicare’s open enrollment period for prescription drug plans (Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans started yesterday (Oct. 15) and runs through Dec. 7.

The Washington state Insurance Commissioner’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) are available to provide citizens with help in their local communities.

”Many Medicare plans are changing again this year,” said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler in a news release. “Open enrollment is the time to shop for the best plan that meets your needs. Our highly trained SHIBA volunteers throughout the state can help you understand your choices and your rights.”

SHIBA offers free help to people with Medicare questions. “Our unbiased volunteers in your community can answer your questions and help you search for plans online,” Kreidler said.

Before making a Medicare provider decision, consider the following tips:

--Plan costs and coverage will likely change every year, so carefully review all letters and notices from your insurer.

--Make a list of all current prescription drugs, the doses, and how often. Then, use the Medicare Plan Finder (https://www.medicare.gov/) to compare prescription drug (Part D) plans.

--Review the 2015 Medicare & You handbook. It should arrrive in the mail by mid-October.

For more information, call a SHIBA volunteer at 800-562-6900 or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) before signing up.

People who have limited income and need help paying for prescription drugs should check out Medicare’s “Extra Help” program (www.socialsecurity.gov/). Contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 or visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov to learn if one qualifies.

“Whatever you do, don’t wait until the end of the enrollment period to get help,” added Kreidler. “Call our Insurance Consumer Hotline today at 800-562-6900 and ask to schedule an appointment with a SHIBA volunteer in your area.”

For help in other languages, call:

--Spanish, Medicare, 800-633-4227;

--Spanish, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, 866-783-2645;

--Korean, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, 800-582-4259;

--Chinese, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, 800-582-4218, and

--Vietnamese, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, 800-582-4336.