New Medicare cards, out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs, changes to dis-enrollment from Medicare Advantage Plans, and new guidelines for prescription drug plans concerning opioid use are among the changes that will be discussed at Medicare Monday.
Medicare beneficiaries can get the latest information at a one of the many Medicare Monday sessions starting October 15, 2018, on premiums, deductibles, and copays for Medicare Part A and B and D, as well as information on Medicare Advantage plans that are available in the markets throughout Colorado. Experts from the Colorado Gerontological Society deliver the presentations.
This year The Society partners with Walgreens Pharmacy. Flu, pneumonia, shingles, and whooping cough vaccines will be available at all of the locations. Individuals who wish to take advantage of any of the vaccines are encouraged to pre-register at www.senioranswers.org or call 1-866-294-3971 so Walgreens will have enough vaccines available.
Medicare Monday educational programs start on October 15 at Northglenn Senior Center; Schlessman Family YMCA, Denver; Commons at Hilltop, Grand Junction; The Inn at Garden Plaza, Colorado Springs; and Windsor Gardens, Denver. Time and locations vary, so check the website or call for details.
Other sessions follow on October 22 in Denver, Greeley, Westminster, Aurora, and Carbondale. On October 29, sessions in Centennial, Littleton, and Alamosa. And in Salida on October 30, and in Montrose and Delta on November 7.
Information is also available on Advance Care Directives, new rules for Extra Help, and the Medicare Savings Program.
Individuals can schedule a counseling session to discuss their Medicare situation if they are unable to attend an event. University of Colorado School of Pharmacy students are available for appointments to do drug reviews and provide phone counseling or in-person sessions for individuals who need for help enrolling in a prescription drug plan.
Medicare Monday sessions are free. Individuals who wish to take advantage of any of the vaccines, will need to provide a copy of their Medicare card and their insurance card so Walgreens can bill their insurance for the vaccines. Call 1-866-294-3971 or visit www.senioranswers.org to make your reservations. Just have questions and can’t attend a Medicare Monday near you – call and ask to talk to a counselor.
~ Eileen Doherty, MS is the Executive Director of the Colorado Gerontological Society, since 1982. She teaches Nonprofit Management for Fort Hays State University. She can be contacted at 303-333-3482 or doherty001@att.net.