Medicare Enrollment Deadline Approaching
by Laura Monteverdi, Reporter
November 30, 2012 5:22 PM
An important deadline is fast approaching for the more than 137,000 South Dakotans who use Medicare.
December 7th is the last day for those 65 or older to enroll in or make changes to their Medicare Part D plan. This portion of the plan is the prescription drug coverage part of Medicare.
The open enrollment period is the only time of the year to do this and the South Dakota AARP suggests taking the time to review your plan and look at specifics like cost, convenience and customer service. They say doing so can benefit you in the long run.
“When people have the opportunity to review their plans it can save them real money- anywhere from a couple of hundred to a couple thousand dollars,” said Cathy McLeer of AARP South Dakota. “So it really does make financial sense to be a good consumer do your homework and see if there's another plan that might be able to save you some more money.”
In previous years the deadline was December 31st but the new earlier date allows the companies time to ensure everyone's coverage will be in place by the first of the year.
Those needing help reviewing and choosing plans can contact a local Medicare counselor through SHIINE by calling 1-800-536-8197 or visiting
www.shiine.net for more information.
