Organization helps seniors sort out Medicare options

The cost of a three-month refill of her prescription medication drew Lillian Williams, 77, to the Sedalia Senior Center.

The rural Sedalia resident pays $200 for a three-month supply of one of the two medications she takes through a mail-order pharmacy.

Employees of Care Connection, a nonprofit organization aimed at helping seniors, were on hand to help people like Williams navigate through the Medicare Part D enrollment Thursday. 

Seniors have the opportunity to enroll in or change their Medicare Part D plans until Dec. 31 during the program’s annual open enrollment period.

Williams was one of several people who met with Care Connection representatives to find out more about the open enrollment.

She said she wanted to find a cheaper, local alternative for medications. Cost is on the minds of many seniors enrolled in prescription plans under Medicare Part D. 

The benefit began in January 2006 and offers people eligible for Medicare a subsidized prescription drug coverage through private insurers. Some 48 plans are available to Missouri residents for 2009.

Rona McNally, an educator with Care Connection, said the cost of many of the prescription drug plans offered under Part D increased this year, so seniors should check to see if the plan they are enrolled in is still the best for them.

“It’s really worth someone’s time to do some comparisons this year, because many plans have come up in cost,” she said.

McNally said she also wanted to make seniors aware of help available for individuals and couples with incomes of less than $20,800 and $28,000, respectively.

“There’s help available, and it’s worth checking to get that help,” she said.

Care Connection Care Manager Ted Grable said he visits the senior center regularly to help people sign up and to answer questions.

“A lot of times folks get a lot of things in the mail, and they don’t know what’s what, and it’s confusing,” he said.

Carolyn Lee, of Sedalia, attended the program to gather more information on behalf of her mother, Dorothy Franklin.

“I just feel like there’s so much information, it’s hard to take it all in,” she said.

Lee said she was concerned about the various programs’ costs.

“I want to get the best deal to help my mom,” she said.

People who want help with enrollment in Medicare Part D or have questions can call Care Connection at 800-748-7826.