Open enrollment event for Medicare drug plan set in Jamestown

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm is encouraging Jamestown residents to attend a free open enrollment event for assistance in switching or enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

The event will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 9 at the Gladstone Inn, 111 Second St. N.E., Jamestown.

“Insurance Department staff will be on hand to help consumers choose a plan that suits their needs,” Hamm said. “There are significant changes in the 2009 plans, so it’s important for consumers to review their options, even if they’re happy with the plan they had in 2008.”

The Insurance Department’s State Health Insurance Counseling Program staff is traveling to 10 cities around the state during the open enrollment period, Nov. 15 through Dec. 31.

Eligible North Dakotans who are unable to attend an open enrollment event can call 2-1-1 to switch plans or sign up for a plan. After answering a few questions, a customized comparison list of Part D plans will be sent to callers. Once a plan is chosen, to join, 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 to 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

* Call SHIC at 1-888-575-6611

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

For more information, call SHIC at 1-888-575-6611 or visit www.nd.gov/ndins.

Tags: medicare, open, enrollment, part, d, prescription, drug, plan, insurance