The Ohio Department of Insurance — through its Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) — is traveling the state through the end of the year to help eligible Ohioans, family members and caregivers understand the different Medicare coverage options, and to provide assistance with plan selection.
OSHIIP is conducting free and unbiased "Medicare Check-up Days" in each of Ohio's 88 counties to complement Medicare's annual "coordinated election" period, which starts November 15 and ends December 31. Coverage secured during this open enrollment period will begin January 1, 2010.
"These events provide a great opportunity for people with Medicare to learn about their plan options and how to secure the appropriate coverage," said Mary Jo Hudson, Director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. "I strongly encourage people to attend one in their area or call our OSHIIP hotline at 1-800-686-1578 with any questions about Medicare coverage."
Marion’s event is planned for November 20th at Chadwick Place, 1401 Wellness Drive. The event starts at 10 AM.
During the coordinated election period, people on Medicare can select one of several coverage options: Original Medicare for their health coverage needs paired with a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan; a Medicare Advantage Plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits including drug coverage; or determine if their existing coverage already meets their health insurance needs. Plan benefits may change each year so Ohioans are encouraged to contact OSHIIP for a plan review. In addition, financial assistance is available to those with limited income.
At each Check-Up Day event, OSHIIP representatives will discuss changes to Medicare and preventative benefits, how to manage expenses during the Part D coverage "doughnut hole" or gap in coverage, share information on financial assistance available to those with limited income, advise beneficiaries if they can coordinate other coverage and also run comparison reports on various plans. OSHIIP can help beneficiaries enroll in their Medicare coverage of choice starting November 15.Attendees are encouraged to bring a list of their prescriptions drugs, dosages and preferred pharmacy information, as well as any information on pension, VA or other medical care benefits they are receiving.
For a complete listing of available Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, visit www.medicare.gov. Those with Medicare questions and those who need enrollment assistance (starting November 15) and/or information about financial assistance programs can call OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578 Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
