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More Seniors Look for Cheaper Medicare Drug Plans
By Naseem Sowti Miller, Ocala
December 8, 2008
Every year since 2006, Drexel and Deanna Collins - along with a dozen other volunteers have helped seniors sign up for Medicare Part D's prescription drug plans.
The volunteers, who are part of the state's Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders program, or SHINE, have set up shop at the Social Security Administration building, local churches and retirement communities to help seniors choose and sign up for one of the drug plans - 54 are available in 2009.
Medicare Part D covers the cost of outpatients prescription drugs for seniors who are enrolled in a stand-alone drug plan and Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans.
But this year, more than ever, the Collinses are seeing seniors who are looking for cheaper drug plans because their monthly premiums and deductible have increased. Enrollees have also been asking for help in areas that have nothing to do with Medicare.
"One person was evicted from their home and was looking for a place to stay," said Drexel Collins, who's the area coordinator for SHINE in Marion and Citrus counties. Others have inquired about food stamps or free medication.
While the economic downturn has affected most of the nation, including the retired seniors who depend one fixed or limited income, the premiums for most Medicare prescription drug plans have increased for 2009, and fewer offer $0 monthly premiums for low-income seniors.
Drexel Collins said that the quality of the plans have improved since the inception of the program in 2006, but the cost continues to climb.
The drug plan premiums have increased from an average of $25 in 2006 to a projected $37 in 2009, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, a leading national health policy group.
More than nine in 10 enrollees would face higher premiums in 2009 unless they switch to a lower-premium plan, according to an analysis by KFF.
About half of those enrolled in a prescription drug plan and haven't switched their plan since first enrolling in 2006 would face premium increases of at least 50 percent over the four-year period.
The monthly premiums in Florida range from $16.70 to $111.30 for 2009. The average monthly premium in the state is $44.62, up from $36.95 in 2008.
Meanwhile, some drug plans have dropped their gap coverage. And the number of plans that offer $0 monthly premium to eligible seniors has dropped from 8 to 5.
If you are one of more than 28,000 Marion County seniors already enrolled in a prescription drug plan, find out if your premiums or your coverage is going to change in 2009, the Collinses advise.
If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, find out if there are any changes to your drug coverage. Some plans offers drug coverage with no monthly premium.
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