Medicare Counselors Helping Oklahoma Consumers Save Thousands

 For Immediate Release:

 November 18, 2013

 

Medicare Counselors Helping Oklahoma Consumers Save Thousands

 

OKLAHOMA CITY – Time is running out for Oklahoma seniors to enroll in Medicare or make changes to their current plan. The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) provides free counseling to Oklahoma’s Medicare beneficiaries. By comparing available plans, MAP counselors have helped callers save an average of $2,090 since Oct. 15.

 

“There are more than 650,000 Oklahomans on Medicare and we work hard to help them with the important process of Open Enrollment,” said Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak. “Working with our counselors can help uncover savings that will make a big difference in their everyday lives.”

 

Medicare Open Enrollment began Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. During Open Enrollment, Medicare-eligible consumers can sign up for coverage under a Medicare Advantage plan or Part D prescription drug plan, as well as change their options for the coming year. Oklahoma seniors can take advantage of the free Medicare counseling by calling 1-800-763-2828. 

 

“Medicare beneficiaries have a variety of choices regarding how they receive Medicare benefits, but it can be incredibly confusing,” said Ray Walker, MAP Director. “We can help beneficiaries understand their choices and give them the answers they need to make the best possible decisions. There’s less than three weeks left in the Open Enrollment period, so they need to call us for a review as soon as possible.”

 

During last year’s open enrollment period, MAP counselors helped more than 7,000 Medicare beneficiaries review their plans with average annual savings between $500 and $1,000. MAP counselors are available to answer Medicare questions year-round. Information is also available at http://www.ok.gov/oid/Consumers/Information_for_Seniors/.

 

About the Oklahoma Insurance Department 

The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.

 

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For more information contact:

Kelly Collins
(405) 522-0683

kelly.collins@oid.ok.gov