MediCare Part D Open Enrollment

It's that time of the year again! From now through 12/31/09 you can change your Part D plan, which covers your prescriptions. If you haven't been happy with coverage or the donut hole, now's the time to choose something better. If you have been happy with it, now's the time to make sure no changes are going to be made for next year that you wouldn't like.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has a website for open enrollment.

Here is a table summarizing the 60 different plans available for El Dorado County.

This is a pdf file that you can print off as a worksheet to help you sort out your options on-line or with an insurance broker.

Things to keep in mind:

• Relax. You've got to the end of the year!
• Focus on looking for plans that specifically cover your expensive medications. The inexpensive ones will be covered by any plan.
  
• Think about whether you might be better off paying more in monthly premiums for donut hole coverage than not being able to afford your medications by the end of the Summer.
• Don't be fooled into picking a plan where you make MediCare your secondary insurance! This does not turn out to save you money and seriously limits your heath care!