N.D. Medicare event to be held Nov. 2

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm recently reminded state residents that the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage has changed to Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.

An event on the program will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 2 at the James River Senior and Community Center, 502 10th Ave. SE.

“Medicare beneficiaries used to have until the end of the year to compare plans,” Hamm said. “This year the enrollment period ends Dec. 7. Please be sure to review your plan before that date.”

The Insurance Department’s State Health Insurance Counseling Program staff is traveling to seven cities around the state during the annual enrollment period, offering free assistance in switching or enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you will be attending an event and have been given a yellow drug retrieval card, bring it to the event for expedited service.

Eligible North Dakotans who are unable to attend an annual enrollment event can call 211. After answering a few questions, a customized comparison list of Part D plans will be sent to callers. Beneficiaries can:

* Enroll directly with the plan by calling the plan’s toll-free number

* Call their insurance agent

* Go to www.medicare. gov or call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227

* Call RSVP+ at 701-258-5436 12:30–3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Oct. 17–Nov. 25 (appointments required)

* Call SHIC at 1-888-575-6611

“It’s important for beneficiaries to make sure their prescriptions are covered under the plan they choose and that the plan is accepted by their preferred pharmacy,” Hamm said.

Beneficiaries who are satisfied with the plans they have do not have to do anything. They will be re-enrolled automatically.

For details on the annual enrollment events, call SHIC at 1-888-575-6611 or visit www.nd.gov/ndins.

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