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Department on Aging Offers Free Help to Make Medicare Open
Enrollment Decisions
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[October 21, 2024]
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA)
is encouraging everyone with Medicare to check if their plan still
meets their needs and budget during this year’s Open Enrollment
Period, which began on Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7, 2024.
Individuals can get free help comparing health and drug plan options
by contacting the state’s Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).
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 “Your
health needs can change from year to year, and so do Medicare plan
costs and coverage,” said SHIP Director Sandy Leith. “Now’s the time
to review your current Medicare coverage to make sure it still meets
your needs. To help you make an informed decision, the Senior Health
Insurance Program uses trained volunteers to offer trusted, unbiased
Medicare counseling to Medicare-eligible individuals, their
families, and caregivers.”
SHIP counselors are available in person and online throughout the
year, but they are especially helpful during Open Enrollment from
Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, when people with Medicare can join or switch
health and prescription drug plans for the coming year. For those
who switch plans, coverage starts on Jan. 1, 2025.
New for 2025, yearly out-of-pocket costs for
Medicare drug plan-covered prescription drugs will be capped at
$2,000. People with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans can also
choose to spread their out-of-pocket costs across the calendar year
instead of paying all at once at the pharmacy.
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To get help understanding your Medicare options and
how you can save money on costs, call or visit a SHIP site near you.
You can also compare 2025 coverage options and shop for plans using
Medicare's Plan Finder or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE to talk with a
customer support representative. TTY users should call 877-486-2048.
The Medicare Support Hotline is available 24/7, except for some
federal holidays.
About IDoA: IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and
their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate
programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence,
dignity, and quality of life. For information about the Department’s
programs and services for older adults and persons with
disabilities, visit https://ilaging.illinois.gov/ or contact the
Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday
between 8:30 a.m.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
