It is that time of year… Medicare health and drug coverage open enrollment begins on Nov 15 and ends on Dec 31. With all the news on revamping America’s health care, you may have missed the announcement from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that seniors or other people with Medicare (and their caregivers and/or family members) can begin to review their 2010 coverage options through Medicare’s improved online tools. Medicare Health Options Compare and Prescription Drug Plan Finder is located at www.medicare.gov.
Remember, caregivers, if your loved one is a Medicare beneficiary, they are eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage, regardless of income, health status, or current prescription expenses.
There are two types of Medicare plans that provide prescription drug coverage:
1) Medicare Prescription Drug Plans - These plans add prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare, and certain types of Medicare Health Plans.
2) Medicare Health Plans - Some of these plans cover both health care and prescription drugs.
For caregivers and seniors that prefer to get information over the phone,
- Contact a Medicare customer service representative at toll free 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- OR contact your local State health insurance Assistance Program office (find the number online at http://www.medicare.gov/Contacts/staticpages/ships.aspx) or other health advocacy agencies for free personalized counseling.
Medicare's customer service is available 24-hours a day and 7 days a week. English and Spanish-language customer service representatives are available.
A 2010 Medicare & You handbook for seniors and their caregivers, also available on www.Medicare.gov, will be mailed to the homes of all eligible beneficiaries this month.
Medicare can be complicated, and a qualified geriatric care professional can help you figure it out if you're a caregiver. If you're a veteran (or a caregiver for a veteran) you can also see my previous blogs, which include Information on Veterans Benefits and Part 2: Additional Information on Veterans Benefits.

I’m pleased to welcome Jane Niederberger as My Health Care Manager’s new President. With over 25 years of experience in the health care industry, Jane is a great addition to our team. Most recently, Jane founded Niederberger Ventures LLC and has been active in HALO, an Indiana angel investment group. From 2004 – 2006, Jane was Vice President and General Manager of Operations for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s Central Region, a $16 billion subsidiary of WellPoint. Prior to leading the consolidation of operations, Jane was Anthem’s Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer (1997-2004). 
preventative health plans.


George Slater