Medicare Monthly News

Cut Medicare Prescription Drug Costs with "Extra Help"

Ohioans on Medicare may qualify for even more savings through the Extra Help
program in 2024. This program helps some people pay their Medicare drug coverage (Part D) costs, like premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other costs. In 2024, those who qualify for Extra Help will pay all or most of the Medicare drug plan premium, the plan deductible, and a reduced amount for both generic and brand-name drugs.

Ohioans on Medicare that did not sign up for Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Part B (medical insurance) during their initial enrollment period, and do not qualify for a special enrollment period, can sign up for Medicare during the Jan. 1 to March 31 general enrollment period. Coverage begins on the first day of the month after signing up.

For Ohioans with a Medicare Advantage Plan, the Medicare Advantage open enrollment period, also from Jan. 1 to March 31, provides an opportunity to switch back to Original Medicare or change to a different Medicare Advantage plan.

Have Employees Turning 65? OSHIIP Can Explain Medicare! Schedule a Speaker Today!

Attention employers! Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) Medicare experts are available to speak about Medicare to groups of employees set to retire. OSHIIP's services are free and unbiased, and the Welcome to Medicare speaking engagements can be done in person or virtually. Call OSHIIP at 800-686-1578 or email oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov to request a speaker for your employees. OSHIIP's individual virtual counseling and Welcome to Medicare webinars are educational options as well.