Medicare open enrollment ending soon

    Open enrollment for Medicare comes around every year between Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
    What that means, and for who, is sometimes confusing, said Lynette Meeske of Trustpoint Insurance in Imperial.
    Availability of various health plans for Medicare are subject to location by counties/zip code, she said.
    “Medicare open enrollment in Chase County applies only to prescription drug plans or Part D,” Meeske said.
    During open enrollment, Medicare recipients can change prescription drug plans if they so wish, she explained.
    Part D is a standardized government program. The amount of “out-of-pocket” for prescriptions changes each year.
    There are three levels of coverage, and each level determines the amount of out-of-pocket pay.
    “What was best in 2019 and least expensive may not be the best in 2020,” she said.
    Interest is very high right now because of so many changes in Part D, she added.
    “People are more educated now,” said Meeske. “It’s a good idea for people to look at their current coverage and note the changes coming so as to choose the right coverage for 2020 during the open enrollment period.”
    Previously, the middle level of Medicare Part D required a higher amount out-of-pocket.
    In 2020, that amount will decrease for most people, she said.
Program available to educate people
    Nebraska’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is an education program for Medicare recipients that assists them in making good decisions about programs that are available for their specific situation.
    SHIIP also maintains one on one counseling programs to provide general knowledge information to decide what kind of programs might be best for them, said Nancy Frecks, an area Extension Educator and SHIIP volunteer.
    “I am available by appointment to counsel people about available programs to help them make informed decisions,” Frecks said.
    To speak with Frecks and obtain her assistance on programs in the area, contact the Chase County Extension Office at 308-882-4731 to schedule an appointment.