By Alyssa Pautsch, Roosevelt ….

By Alyssa Pautsch, Roosevelt County Aging

Services SHIP Counselor

We would like to remind Medicare beneficiaries that open enrollment for Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) starts Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7.

During open enrollment, you have the opportunity to review and compare the plans that are available in Montana along with the opportunity to choose to enroll in a new plan.

Since Medicare Part D plans are allowed to change available coverages every year, it is important that you take the time to review any coverage information your Part D insurer has sent you this fall to insure your plan’s coverage will still meet your needs in 2021.

Each Part D plan has a monthly premium, preferred or standard pharmacies, a formulary (list of covered drugs) and a tier system (cost-sharing) affecting its overall yearly cost, and many plans also have deductibles and mail order options.

By using the comparison tool through the Medicare Plan Finder, you can see how your drugs are covered and what your estimated yearly costs will be for each plan in 2021.

If you would like assistance, we are happy to help you review and compare your current plan, enroll in a new plan, as well as help you sign up for a secure mymedicare. gov account.

Call us Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 653-6221 to schedule an appointment with Julie Bach and Alyssa Pautsch.

You can also compare this information yourself by going online to www.medicare. gov/find-a-plan, or by calling 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).