NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Seniors will have the opportunity to change their Medicare health plan and Part D coverage for prescription drugs for 2015 today through
During the enrollment period, seniors are eligible to move in or out of any type of Medicare coverage available. This year, there are 25 stand-alone Part D drug plans to choose from with monthly premiums ranging from $15.70 to $143, and 23 Medicare Advantage plans with monthly premiums ranging from no cost to $328. Seniors also have the option to drop their current health plan and return to original Medicare.
All changes will take effect Jan. 1, 2015.
Seniors who need assistance choosing a plan that best suits their needs can call the Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) Medicare Help Line, which is available year-round, at (914) 813-6100.
Even seniors who are satisfied with their current plan should review their coverage policy for next year. Check for any possible changes in the plan such as a new monthly premium, new deductibles or new co-payments. Seniors should also make sure that their 2015 plan will continue to cover their current medications as well as work with their pharmacy.
Information on how to select a new health plan will be discussed at the free Medicare Basics workshops hosted by DSPS on Nov. 6 and Dec. 4. These workshops will take place from 10 a.m. to noon on the 8th floor of the County office building at 9 S. First Ave., Mount Vernon. Please call (914) 813-6100 to register for either session.
In addition to the county’s Medicare Help Line, assistance is also available free of charge from the Senior Benefits Information Centers (SBICs), which are sponsored by the Westchester Library System and the Medicare Rights Center.
At these centers, Medicare-trained counselors are available to provide one-on-one counseling, inform seniors about the various programs offered to help pay for medications, and explain the difference between original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
Senior Benefits Information Centers are located at the following libraries:
Greenburgh Public Library
300 Tarrytown Road, Elmsford
Counselors available Mondays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mount Kisco Public Library
100 Main St., Mount Kisco
Counselors available Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
New Rochelle Public Library
1 Library Plaza, New Rochelle
Counselors available Fridays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Ossining Public Library
53 Croton Ave., Ossining
Counselors available the third, fourth and fifth Thursday’s of the month from 1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
(Peekskill) The Field Library
4 Nelson Ave., Peekskill
Counselors available the first and second Thursday’s of the month from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Port Chester – Rye Brook Public Library
1 Haseco Ave., Port Chester
Counselors available Thursdays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
(Shrub Oak) John C. Hart Memorial Library
1130 Main St., Shrub Oak
Counselors available Tuesdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(Tarrytown) The Warner Library
121 N. Broadway, Tarrytown
Counselors available Wednesdays from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
(Yonkers) Grinton I. Will Library
1500 Central Park Ave.,Yonkers
Counselors available Tuesdays, except the last Tuesday of the month, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Thursdays from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.
(Yonkers) Riverfront Library – REQUIRES APPOINTMENT
1 Larkin Center, Yonkers
Counselors available on the last Tuesday of the month by appointment only from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Call (914) 231-3260 to schedule an appointment. Make sure to leave your name and callback number.
Help is also available at the Federal government’s Medicare site at www.medicare.gov or its help-line at (800) 633-4227.
