By KARISSA WINKEL
Cottonwood Extension District
Medicare can be challenging to navigate. If you are eligible, you know that enrolling in hospital insurance, Part B, supplemental coverage, and a drug plan can be overwhelming. The good news is that if you aren’t pleased with your current coverage, open enrollment allows you to make some changes. For example, you can review your current drug plan and see if it will be your best option next year. Since Part D plans tend to change yearly, it’s smart to see what that means for your coverage and costs.
The Cottonwood Extension District is here to help. Certified Senior Health Insurance Counselors in Kansas (SHICK) offer free, unbiased, and confidential Part D assistance to help you find the best drug plan. If you want to compare drug plans, switch plans, or shop around, we are available to visit with you, and see what works best for your situation. Open Enrollment is from October 15 – December 7, and you can schedule an appointment today in the Great Bend or Hays office. Certified volunteers, Donna and John Krug, will also have limited availability in the Great Bend office.
Other resources in the Great Bend area include Volunteers in Action who are SHICK trained. They will be accepting appointments starting on Oct. 17 and you can call 620-792-1614 to make an appointment. Director Linn Hogg says, “Our goal is to help you find the lowest out-of-pocket plan available.”
When you schedule an appointment with the Cottonwood District, you will receive a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug -Coverage Worksheet. Medicare beneficiaries need to list all prescription drugs taken, dosage, and 30-day quantity on the worksheet. Bring the worksheet, your Medicare card, and recent letters from Social Security or Medicare to your appointment. To
schedule your appointment, please call (620) 793- 1910. If you have questions regarding Medicare, please contact Karissa at (620) 793- 1910 or [email protected].
Karissa Winkel is the Family and Community Wellness Agent with K-State Research and Extension – Cottonwood District. You may reach her at: 620-793-1910 or [email protected].