Seniors have until December 31 to save money or improve coverage by enrolling in or changing their Medicare drug plan
WASHINGTON - U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords is encouraging all Arizona seniors to take full advantage of the open enrollment period for Medicare's prescription drug coverage.
The open enrollment period, which ends on December 31, gives seniors the opportunity to save money or improve their coverage by enrolling in or changing their prescription drug plan.
"The open enrollment period is critical for thousands of seniors in Arizona," said Giffords. "Prescription drug plans adjust their costs and the list of drugs they cover every year. Because this is the only time to enroll in or change their plan, seniors need to seize this opportunity and review their prescription drug coverage."
Medicare Part D is vital for many seniors who would otherwise not have access to prescription drug coverage. This year, 25.4 million Americans were in enrolled in the program. In 2009, more than 44 million Americans, including 848,034 Arizonans, are eligible for enrollment.
To compare costs and coverage, seniors or their family members may call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit http://www.medicare.gov/. They also may call the Medicare Line at the Pima Council on Aging at 520-546-2011.
Earlier this year, Giffords was part of a bipartisan majority in the House that voted to pass the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, which prevented a cut in Medicare payments to physicians. Last year, Giffords supported the Medicare Prescription Drug Negotiation Act, which would have allowed the federal government to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for lower drug prices.