2011 Medicare Open Enrollment Results
During the 2011 Medicare Open Enrollment Period – October 15 through December 7 – Berks Encore's staff and volunteers met with 993 individuals. In doing so, the Berks Encore representatives were able to help the seniors save more than $174,433, which represents an increase of $64,285 in savings over the 2010 enrollment period. For those who did make a change in their enrollment, the average dollars saved was $600.
"For one consumer, the projected annual drug costs with her current plan for 2012 was $20,000," says Dot Hartman, Director of Community-Based Aging Services. "We were able to bring that down to $4,000. If she had stayed with her current plan, two of her drugs would have cost her a total of $1,400 every month because they were not on her current plan's formulary. Many seniors who are faced with similar situations simply stop taking these high-priced drugs. By simply looking at this client's other plan choices we were able to find a plan where she will pay $50 for those two drugs, allowing her to continue taking all of her medications. While this is an extreme case, it certainly highlights the importance of reviewing your Medicare plans each year."
During the Medicare Open Enrollment season, Berks Encore provides seniors and their families with an in-depth comprehensive analysis on their insurance needs. Each year insurance plans change what they cost and what they cover. During this time, people with Medicare can add, drop or change their prescription drug coverage. They can also select a health plan for their 2012 coverage. Berks Encore staff and volunteers compare the cost or benefits of Medicare health plans offered in Berks County and provide unbiased answers to Medicare questions. By working proactively with seniors, Berks Encore makes every attempt to reach those who are unaware, unsure, or unable to make their health plan decisions independently.
"With the annual Medicare Open Enrollment in 2011 being earlier this year, more persons were aware of the need to change and had more questions about their Medicare insurance options," says Hartman. "Almost everyone who came in for an appointment wanted to know if they could get better coverage for less money. We looked at medication costs, healthcare co-pays, and any financial assistance programs for which people did not realize they were eligible. Every dollar saved made a difference."
"We could not meet the needs of so many Berks County residents without the dedication and knowledge of the APPRISE volunteer staff," she admits. "The staff and volunteers attend workshops and updates throughout the year in order to have the most current knowledge to share."
