2011 News
October 13, 2011
Bucks County Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to Provide Assistance with Medicare 2012 Enrollment
The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging’s (AAA) APPRISE Health Insurance Counseling Program has scheduled three public events to assist all Medicare beneficiaries during the Open Enrollment period, October 15 - December 7, 2011.
Health needs change from year to year, and health plans may change the benefits and costs as well. That is why it is important to evaluate Medicare choices every year. Open Enrollment is the one time when ALL people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their coverage.
There has never been a better time to check out Medicare coverage. New benefits are available for all people with Medicare – whether you choose Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage Plan – including lower prescription costs, wellness visits, and preventive care. By taking advantage of Open Enrollment, you may be able to save money, get better coverage, or both.
What is the benefit of having an earlier enrollment period?
Beginning this year, Open Enrollment starts earlier – on October 15 – and lasts longer (7 full weeks) to give you enough time to review and make changes to your coverage. Also, beginning this year, you will need to make your final selection for next year’s Medicare coverage by December 7. This change ensures Medicare has enough time to process your choice, so your coverage can begin without interruption on January 1, 2012.
Take the time to review and compare, but you don’t have to do it alone. If you typically use the December holidays to discuss health care options with family or friends, plan to consider the options earlier. Also remember, the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging’s APPRISE counselors are available to help.
- Visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan to compare your current coverage with all of the options that are available in your area and enroll in a new plan, if you decide to make a change.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24 hours a day/7 days a week to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
- Review the “Medicare & You 2012” handbook. It is mailed to people with Medicare in September.
- Schedule a FREE appointment for one-on-one help from an APPRISE counselor at one of our office sites in Bensalem, Bristol, Levittown, Doylestown, Perkasie, or Quakertown by calling 267-880-5700.
Special enrollment events are being scheduled which are free and open to the public. Representatives from Independence Blue Cross, Aetna, Bravo, and Social Security will be present to answer any questions you may have. APPRISE counselors will be available at these events to educate consumers about Medicare plans and to assist with enrollment. Please call the AAA office at 267-880-5700, if you need an APPRISE counseling appointment at one of the three listed events for assistance to enroll in a health insurance plan. Bring your current insurance cards and a list of your current medications, including dosages and frequency. These scheduled events are:
October 17, 2011
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Bristol Township Senior Center
2501 Bath Rd.
Bristol, PA 19007
215-785-6322 |
November 15, 2011
12:00 noon – 3:00 p.m.
Upper Bucks Senior Citizens Center
c/o Milford Square Fire Co.
2183 Milford Square Pk.
Milford, PA 18951
215-536-3066 |
November 28, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
Benjamin H. Wilson Senior Center
580 Delmont Ave.
Warminster, PA 18974
215-672-8380 |
For more information, please contact AAA APPRISE Coordinator Donna Damiani at 267-880-5707.