Ohio Dept. of Insurance helping seniors with Medicare signup

COLUMBUS -- The open enrollment period for 2009 Medicare coverage runs Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 and the Ohio Department of Insurance -- through its OSHIIP program -- is urging beneficiaries to call its toll-free hotline or visit a Medicare Check-up Day event for help sorting through the many plan options. Department representatives are also cautioning people to be aware of predatory sales practices.

Department staff will also be available the first weekend of open enrollment - Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16 at 1-800-686-1578 to help Ohio beneficiaries enroll in Medicare coverage for 2009.

The Department's OSHIIP Medicare experts can help beneficiaries understand the different coverage options, run plan comparison reports and provide enrollment assistance. Ohioans can call OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578 for assistance and can also visit www.ohioinsurance.gov to learn when a Medicare Check-up Day will be held in their area.

Attendees to the Medicare Check-up Day events are encouraged to bring a list of their prescription drugs, dosages and preferred pharmacy, as well as any information on pension, VA or other medical care benefits they are receiving.

The Department is cautioning people with Medicare to be aware of potential predatory sales practices by some insurance agents during open enrollment. Such documented cases include: removing beneficiaries from original Medicare without their knowledge, enrolling beneficiaries in plans they can't afford and misleading enrollees to believe their physician or hospital accepts their plan.

During open enrollment, people on Medicare can choose one of several coverage options:

1.) Original Medicare for their health coverage needs and pair it with a stand-alone Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage.

2.) A Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits often including drug coverage.

3.) Or, determine their existing coverage already meets their health insurance needs. The premium cost and covered drugs vary by plan and a late enrollment penalty will apply to certain beneficiaries. Medicare coverage secured through open enrollment will begin Jan. 1, 2009.

Those who qualify for Part D financial assistance, which is secured through the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213, can get help paying their premiums, deductibles and co-payments. Many beneficiaries with limited income and assets will be automatically enrolled into a Part D plan and for financial assistance, while others with slightly higher income will need to apply.

Medicare Coverage Tips:

Don't rush to decide. Talk with family and friends and utilize services provided by professional organizations before you select a plan. You have time to shop around - even if you already have a plan - and to make a decision. The enrollment deadline is midnight on Dec. 31.

Do not be pressured to make an immediate choice, and do not provide personal financial information (e.g., Social Security number, bank account numbers, credit card numbers, etc.) over the telephone. Plan representatives can not initiate a sales call.

Contact your healthcare providers to verify they accept the plan you're considering before you purchase it.

Medicare must approve Medicare plans sold by companies. For a list of approved plans, contact OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578 and www.ohioinsurance.gov, or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and www.medicare.gov.

Before you purchase a Medicare product, call the Department's consumer hotline at 1-800-686-1526 to find out if any complaints have been filed against the company and/or agent and that they are licensed.

Contact the SAA at 1-800-772-1213 to see if you qualify for Part D financial assistance.

If you feel you have been a victim of a predatory sales practice, call the Department's fraud and enforcement hotline at 1-800-686-1527.