General Health Topic - Medicare Fall Open Enrollment - November 15 - December 31 2007

Hello Everyone.

Again, it is that time of year. This time it is for Medicare's fall enrollment period which starts in a couple of days on November 15 and runs through December 31, 2007.

For my readers that are eligible, now is the time to review your health care and prescription drug coverage and make changes if needed. If you are not enrolled in a plan, now is the time to enroll.

For my other readers that aren't eligible, I'm sure you know someone that is eligible, your parents, grandparents, neighbor, coworker. A friendly reminder for them would be appreciated.

I'll admit that I am no expert on Medicare health plans. However, there are many people that are and I have included many links for you to get as much information as you need. There are many plans and options available. If you have parents or grandparents that are eligible, please take time to help them decipher the many plans that are available.

As outlined in the Health and Human Services (HHS) website the three important steps to follow are:
1. Prepare - Gather information on the available plans looking at does your doctor participate in the plan, do the plans cover the medications you are taking, and all associated costs of the plans.
2. Compare - will the plans meet your needs, costs and customer service.
3. Decide - enroll in the plan that will work for you.

Here are a government links to gather more information:

Open enrollment Information - http://www.cms.hhs.gov/center/openenrollment.asp

State drug Plan Information - http://www.cms.hhs.gov/Partnerships/STDrugPlanInfo/list.asp

Official Medicare Site - http://www.medicare.gov/

Comparing plans - http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11163.pdf

The following links are provided by private business, insurance companies and different organizations. I do not endorse one product over the other. I am simply providing information to help you make your best decision. for more choices go to www.google.com and do a search on Medicare Plan providers in your area.

AARP Medicare Plan Information - https://www.aarpmedicarerx.com/

A good place to get started - http://www.medicareinteractive.org/page2.php?topic=counselor

Aetna - www.aetna.com/members/individuals/medicare/medicare_resources

Humana - http://www.humana-medicare.com/

This site compares plans in Texas - http://www.planprescriber.com/medicare/client/156904/web/index.jsp?group=156904&adwords=y&gclid=CNut_6uW2o8CFUV0OAodDQfH8w

There are many more avenues to gain the information you need to make your best decision.

Good luck.

Dr. Paul