I’m a key member of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature, not because of personal value but because of the people older than 60 in this area. Along with a half-dozen others, I represent them at the state legislature.
All Silver-Haired Legislators are dedicated to informing seniors, their families and caregivers, along with the community at large, about the important issues in the health-care arena.
So much of the focus at present is on debates and deliberations regarding health care reform affecting all individuals. However, we must not let our leaders lose sight of another very important period of time affecting all individuals on Medicare — Medicare Open Enrollment, which lasts from Monday until Dec. 31.
The Medicare Open Enrollment period is a time when employees, Medicare participants and others decide which health benefits they will sign up and pay for during the next year.
Thanks to Chatelle & Associates, of Austin, I have some useful information on making the necessary decisions.
The period is the time when many employers offer workers the opportunity to make changes to their health care plans. In short, it is a time when we must pay very close attention to the new opportunities that may save money — or not! It may not include the services or prescriptions being taken at present.
Medicare Open Enrollment is a good time for us to review and evaluate our health care situation, as well as that of our loved ones.
One of the most important steps in making good decisions is to carefully review the information being sent to us. We all, especially those of us on daily medications, must go over all options being offered in our health care plans. Many health insurance companies make changes to drug plans for the next year which look good on the surface but in the long term may not offer the same types of medication we are now taking.
As you consider your own health care plan, needs and options, there is help available. Talk with your physician. Pay close attention to the details and paperwork coming your way or that you may have already received. Make certain the decisions made meet your financial needs and your medical needs as well as covering your present daily medications.
Finally, visit the Medicare Open Enrollment Web site at www.cms.hhs.gov/center/openenrollment.asp or call 1-800-MEDICARE or 877-486-2048 for resource assistance.
Call a local branch of Area Agency on Aging.
I wish you wisdom in your decisions.
Betty Streckfuss is Deputy Speaker Pro Tem of the Texas Silver-Haired Legislature and an occasional writer on senior issues for The Daily News.
