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Medicare open enrollment coming sooner than normal

October 15-December 7

October 11, 2011|by Sara Forhetz, KY3 News

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.-- The open enrollment dates for Medicare are a few weeks earlier than in years past.

And it's important to get signed up, so you can save.  Enrollment starts this Saturday, October 15, and runs through December 7.  

Experts say there is no one-size-fits-all plan.

"All the plans are still very specific to the medications that an individual takes, so you can't really look at what's the cheapest plan out there," said June Huff with the Area Office on Aging.

Each plan is tailored to you, just like your medications are.
Once enrollment begins on Saturday, you can go online, type in what you take and let the computer do the price checking for you.

"If you're taking ongoing prescription drugs most folks will save money by being in a prescription drug plan.  This year the plan has to provide a 50-percent reduction during the donut hole or the coverage gap for brand name drugs, and a 14-percent reduction on the cost of generic drugs," Huff said.

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Pharmacist Gary Grove says he sees those savings first hand.

"It's going to save seniors a lot on their monthly premium, plus on their deductible so you really should sign up," Grove said.

Seniors need to check their current plan to make sure it has not changed what medications are covered.  Also, to choose a new plan, you can type in what you take, to make sure your currents drugs are covered.

There will be a Medicare enrollment help session at the Library Center on South Campbell in Springfield on November 17 and 18.  On Nov. 17, volunteers will help people from 9a.m. to 6p.m.  On Nov. 18, volunteers will help from 9a.m. to 2p.m.

Also, Contact KY3 is hosting a "call-a-Medicare-expert" on Wednesday, October 19 from 5p.m. to 6:30p.m.  You can call 417-268-3222 for free expert advice on which plan is best for you.

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