As Medicare Part D open enrollment gets under way, state health officials are trying to make sure every eligible Virginian is taking advantage of the program.
Recent analysis by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shows that more than 180,000 eligible Virginia Medicare beneficiaries are without prescription drug coverage.
Approximately one million people are eligible to enroll in the Part D program, but only 874,000 of those actually have prescription drug coverage, CMS analysis shows.
In Danville, just 58 percent of 10,702 eligible residents are enrolled. Fifty-six percent of Pittsylvania County’s 12,76 eligible residents are enrolled. Fifty-six percent of Pittsylvania County’s 12,764 eligible residents are enrolled and just under 48 percent of Caswell County’s 4,223 eligible residents are enrolled.
Enrollment opened on Nov. 15 and will run through Dec. 31. Those not enrolled may sign up during this time, and those already enrolled can reevaluate their current plans and make changes.
Medicare Part D insurance plans can change the costs of monthly premiums and formularies as well as co-pays, and area health officials encourage people to reevaluate their plans.
The Southern Area Agency on Aging says insurance companies in the area offer at least 45 different plans.
Most people with Medicare have prescription drug coverage, and there are 48 prescription drug plans available, according to a fact sheet from the Agency on Aging.
“During the country’s current economic crisis, many seniors are cutting back and watching their spending more than ever,” Mary Grealy, president of the Healthcare Leadership Council, said. “The last thing that any senior should have to face is the choice between paying for prescription medications and paying the heating bill this winter.”
People who meet certain limits on income may qualify for additional help in the form of a Low-Income Subsidy. A single person making less than $1,300 per month whose resources don’t exceed $11,990 and a married couple making less than $1,734 with resources not exceeding $23,970 may qualify.
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