Annual Medicare Part D Enrollment Period
The annual open enrollment period for Medicare Part D is from November 15 - December 31. Council on Aging will assist you during this time to review your current plan to determine if it is still the best plan for you.
There were 59 Medicare prescription drug plans available in 2007. For 2008, 52 plans are offered, with many premium and coverage changes for continuing plans. Take this opportunity to review and compare your current plan to those offered for 2008. Call 704-292-1797 and a Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselor will assist you by phone or schedule an appointment for a counseling session. You may also contact the SHIIP Call Center at 1-800-443-9354.
There is a penalty for deferring enrollment when a beneficiary is eligible. If you decide at a later date to enroll the penalty is 1% of the average national premium. The penalty is also based on the number of months you were eligible for Part D but did not enroll and the penalty lasts for as long as you have Medicare Part D.
