Page 48 - September 2020 Issue.indd

Senior Spot Law. If you did not enroll you will face a penalty based on the

number of months you were not covered. Th is fine is collected
by the drug plans and will be added to your monthly premium
for the rest of your life, so do not miss this opportunity to
Senior Moments enroll! 2020 premiums started at $13.60 per month. Normally
this amount is deducted from the monthly Social Security
check, but members have the option of paying directly to the
by Mary Moran 410-479-2535
plan either monthly, quarterly, or annually.
Extra Help is an income-based program designed to assist

Get ready to be bombarded with Medicare snail mail, emails, beneficiaries with the cost of Medicare Prescription Drug
web advertising, and TV “infomercials”, folks! Junk mail Plans. In 2020, Full Extra Help put a cap on the cost of generic
and off ers from both legit and illegitimate entities want to and brand name meds and paid the premium and deductible
sell you prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage plans, for Individuals with a gross income of $1,561 per month (with
supplemental insurance, long term care insurance, funeral liquid assets lower than $12,890), and for couples whose gross
insurance, pet insurance, hangnail insurance…anything income does not exceed $2,114 per month (with liquid assets
that will commit you to parting from your money during lower than $25,720). Partial Extra Help for those with slightly
the upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment! So, stay sharp, higher incomes pays the lions share of the deductible, 25%
be wary of fast-talking sharks, think over any interest you of the monthly premium, and put the meds on a sliding fee
have in any advertising for 24 hours, and remember Open scale, generally with a 15% co-pay. 2021 assistance rates have
Enrollment starts October 15 and runs through December 7. not yet been issued.

Open Enrollment is the annual period when Medicare Beneficiaries may also switch from Original Medicare to
enrollees re-evaluate their Prescription Drug plans (“D” Medicare Advantage, or vice versa, during the Fall open
coverage) for the following year. When the new year starts, enrollment. Remember there is one, and only one, Medicare
each plan may change their premiums, deductibles, and Advantage plan available for Caroline, Talbot, Queen Anne,
their beneficiaries’ out of pocket cost by changing the tiering

assigned to medications. This means that your current plan
may limit, or not offer coverage for, your current meds next

year. Know that the plan which is so affordable this year

Senior Homecare by Angels
may not give you the best bang for your buck in 2021! Open
Bathing Assistance • Dressing Assistance • Grooming

Enrollment is your opportunity to find a new plan for 2021. Assistance with Walking • Medication Reminders
On the other hand, if after comparing your option with
Errands • Shopping • Light Housekeeping
other plans on the Medicare Planfi nder you fi nd that your
Meal Preparation • Friendly Companionship
current plan will continue to serve your needs well in 2021,
Flexible Hourly Care • Respite Care for Families

do nothing. The current services will simply auto renew, and
your membership will continue through next year.
The Most Recognized and Respected Name in Senior Home Care

The key here is to be able to compare plans carefully, which
is why it’s a good idea to think twice before enrolling in a America’s Choice in Homecare
plan that sends off ers in the mail, even one whose name
you recognize. What they are selling may sound better
than what you have but there could be an even better deal
with a company found on Medicare’s Planfinder website.

Everyone’s circumstances and medication needs vary so it
is the coverage, not the company name, that will off er the
best service for next year. For CMS approved plans go online
to www.medicare.gov. to compare plans. Or call your local
SHIP, Mary Moran at 410-490-3078, for free services to help We’re here for YOU!
navigate your options! Available 24 hours a day,
7 days a week
If you did not enroll in Part D when you were fi rst eligible
for Medicare, this year’s Open Enrollment is the time to do
2
it. Please know that you are required to have prescription
drug coverage as a Medicare participant. If you do not have Locations
221 Glenwood Ave, Easton • 443-746-0494
comparable coverage from another source (employer or 2 2 1 G
retirement drug coverage) you must enroll in a Medicare 106B Williamsport Circle, Salisbury • 443-210-2007
Prescription Drug Plan to be in compliance with Medicare visitingangels.com/mideasternshore
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