For Immediate Release: Save Money During Medicare’s Open Enrollment – Review Your Coverage!

Indiana Department of Insurance

News Release

 

October 17, 2014

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Save Money During Medicare’s Open Enrollment – Review Your Coverage! 

SHIP counselors are available across the state to assist Hoosiers with Medicare questions. 

 

Indianapolis – If you are looking for a way to save money on your Medicare costs, make sure you review your coverage during open enrollment. Insurance companies can make changes to Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans every year, including which providers and pharmacies are in their networks. Doctors and prescriptions that were covered in your plan this year may not be covered next year. You need to review your current plan for any changes and the effect they may have on your out-of-pocket expenses for next year.

Will the changes for Medicare in 2015 affect you? The Kaiser Family Foundation, a non-profit specializing in health policy analysis, reports a slight decline in the number of Medicare Advantage plans available nationwide to consumers for 2015 – 1,945 plans for 2015 compared to 2,014 plans offered in 2014. According to Kaiser, nearly 320,000 consumers currently enrolled in plans to be discontinued will need to find new coverage in 2015.

“It’s critical that seniors understand their options during the Medicare open enrollment period, which ends December 7, 2014,” said Indiana Department of Insurance Commissioner Stephen W. Robertson. “We recommend seniors contact one of the many State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselors across Indiana if they need assistance.” 

SHIP Counselor

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free and unbiased counseling program provided by the Indiana Department of Insurance for Medicare beneficiaries in Indiana. SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company or agency and does not sell insurance. SHIP counselors are volunteers trained to offer free and objective assistance.

 “Medicare is not an easy subject to understand and it can be difficult to keep up with the changes. SHIP counselors are devoted to helping people with Medicare in their local communities understand their health insurance choices,” said IDOI SHIP Program Director Cheryl St. Clair.

Since July 2013, SHIP counselors in Indiana have helped over 39,000 Hoosiers with their questions. Counselors answer questions about Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicaid, long term care insurance, prescription coverage and low income assistance.

“Usually there’s not one right answer, so it takes knowledge and patience to provide enough information to help a beneficiary or family member make the best decision for their own personal situation,” said St. Clair.

Call 1-800-452-4800 or visit www.medicare.in.gov to find a SHIP location near you.

The Indiana Department of Insurance (IDOI) protects Indiana's insurance consumers by monitoring and regulating the financial strengths and market conduct activities of insurance companies and agents. The IDOI monitors insurance companies and agents for compliance with state laws to protect consumers and to offer them the best array of insurance products available. The IDOI also assists Hoosiers with insurance questions and provides guidance in understanding how insurance policies work.

 

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Media Contact:

Contact Jenifer Groth, APR, IDOI director of communication and outreach, to set up a media interview with a SHIP counselor to discuss frequently asked questions Hoosiers have regarding Medicare. Call (317) 234-8582 or email jgroth@idoi.in.gov.