Just days left to get free Medicare enrollment help

OKLAHOMA CITY – Medicare beneficiaries have 30 days to review and change their Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans for 2017. The Oklahoma Insurance Department’s Medicare Assistance Program (MAP) and its partner agencies are offering free, unbiased help during the open enrollment period which ends Dec. 7.

“Plan costs and benefits can change from year to year,” Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak said. “Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, you might find something that’s a better fit for your budget or your health needs.”

Trained counselors can help beneficiaries understand Medicare benefits and the enrollment process. Since the counseling started in October, many Oklahomans have made changes that will save them money next year.

• A woman from Bethany will save more than $15,000 by switching her Part D prescription drug plan.
• A Tulsa man will save $12,819 by changing his plan because his current one won’t cover four expensive medications in 2017.
• A couple in Edmond will save nearly $3,000 after comparing Part D plans and switching to lower-cost plans.
• A Yukon man who has used our counseling services for the past two years will save more than $6,000 on prescriptions next year.

Many other Oklahoma beneficiaries are signing up for prescription drug plans for the first time. Choosing the right plan could mean thousands in savings but you must enroll by Dec. 7.

MAP partners with agencies to offer this free counseling throughout the state. To find a partner agency offering Medicare help near you, go to oid.ok.gov or call MAP at 800-763-2828.