.jpg)
Most people who receive Medicare benefits also have prescription drug coverage, either through a stand-alone “Part D” plan or through a Medicare Advantage plan.
No two of these plans are alike. The plan that’s best for your spouse, friend or neighbors might not be right for you, and all these plans can change their costs and benefits each year. Generally, the only time enrollment in plans can be changed is during Medicare’s open enrollment period of Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 every year.
If you have begun taking new prescriptions, have stopped taking old prescriptions, or one of the medications you take is newly available as a generic, it’s important to see which of the dozens of available plans is the best fit for you. Even if you are happy with the plan you have now, there is no guarantee that it will have the same costs and coverage in 2024.
Valley Program for Aging Services’ statecertified Medicare insurance counselors are ready to help. These staff and volunteers provide personalized, confidential, unbiased information that allows you to make the best decision for your situation. They don’t work for insurance companies, pharmacies, or others that may have a financial interest in which plan you pick. Their only interest is in helping you find the best fit.
Appointments with VPAS counselors can be arranged to occur in person, by phone, or by email. After making an appointment, you’ll receive a follow-up call to gather information about you, your Medicare number and other insurance information and your prescriptions, or to confirm the information we have on file for you if you are a returning client.
While VPAS does not charge anyone for this service, contributions are gratefully accepted to sustain the program, which receives very little federal or state funding. In the Rockbridge area the service is supported in part by United Way of Rockbridge.
The seven-week open enrollment period starts soon and appointments are limited. To make an appointment with a VPAS Medicare insurance counselor, call Maury River Senior Services at (540) 261-7474, or email Laynee Knick at [email protected].
Editor’s note: Jeri Schaff is the director of Valley Program for Aging Services.
