The Dodge County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) is making timely Medicare and Medicaid announcements ahead of 2024. Medicare open enrollment is ongoing through Dec 7. This means that anyone with a prescription drug plan through Medicare or a Part C Plan can renew or re-evaluate their package ahead of 2024.
Some possible changes include finding new insurances, pharmacies or plans altogether. Elder/Disability Benefit Specialist Jennifer Farmer said that due to a variety factors, a quick evaluation of one’s plan is well worth it.
“Formularies change. Prices change. It’s just a good time to review it,” Farmer said. “We have seen people save thousands of dollars just by taking an overview.”
The ADRC also mentioned that while this is a time of year where many questions arise, it is not currently accepting any more Medicare packets due to the surplus of orders they’re still sorting through.
Outside of Medicare open enrollment, marketplace open enrollment is going on through Dec. 15. For those wanting to enroll for February of 2024, the deadline is Jan. 15. This period is for those who seek out their own private insurances independent from their employer, Medicare or Medicaid.
While the Resource Center cannot directly help those individuals, they urge those in need to contact Covering Wisconsin (contact numbers are listed at the bottom of the article) for free, unbiased help.
Those in need of unbiased advice in general can refer to Medicare, the Medicare helpline, the Wisconsin Prescription Drug helpline or the Disability Drug helpline.
Another important topic that ramps up in severity this time of year is Medicare fraud. Due to the end of the year being the time for open enrollment, holidays where people get desperate and other factors, Medicare fraud cases spike in the winter. One can report these cases to the Senior Medicare Patrol.
“You might not want to report it because you feel so ashamed about the situation, but don’t feel ashamed,” Farmer said. “If you report this, you can help protect other people.”
For those with questions on all things Medicare who would like in-person assistance, the ADRC is holding Medicare Classes in 2024. Individuals can call their office for scheduling and sign-up updates.
As a reminder, the Resource Center office (along with all county offices) is on holiday during Dec. 22, 25, 29 and Jan. 1.
Resources and phone numbers:
Medicare (1-800-633-4227)
Medicare helpline (1-800-242-1060)
Wisconsin Prescription Drug Helpline (1-855-677-2783)
Disability Drug Helpline (1-800-926-4862)
ADRC of Dodge County (920-386-3580)
Senior Medical Patrol (1-800-926-4862)
