Medicare signup deadline approaches

Jan Morgan has an important job. And she doesn’t even get paid for it.

Morgan is a volunteer trained by the Central Oregon Council on Aging (COCOA) to help Sisters area seniors find the best Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage program. Although the new program started at the beginning of the year, many seniors have not chosen a plan because the options are confusing.

There are dozens of Medicare programs in Deschutes County. They differ in the cost of the monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays, as well as gaps in coverage.

However, Morgan said her experience in working with Sisters seniors has shown there is usually a program to help save seniors money on their prescription drugs.

“The key is finding the right program,” Morgan said.

Morgan is hoping to meet with more seniors in the coming weeks so that they can be signed up for a plan before the next enrollment deadline of May 15. After that date most people will not have another chance to enroll until November 15. Morgan can identify the best plans based on the type of prescriptions the person needs.

Morgan said some seniors have started the process and gotten confused, others haven’t looked into at all and some have misinformation. One person she helped said she had heard a rumor that the new program wasn’t good so she didn’t want to sign up.

“And we ended up getting a great deal for that person,” said Morgan.

Morgan points out that even seniors who are not taking any prescription drugs now should consider enrolling in an inexpensive plan. Most people who choose not to enroll now will incur a penalty for each month they delay.

Most plans will allow seniors to continue to use their local pharmacy, obtain prescriptions at other pharmacies across the country while traveling or get medications through mail order.

Morgan adds it has been rewarding to help people through the confusing process.

“You can see a relief immediately,” said Morgan.

Sisters Community Church and the Sisters Library have made their facilities available for confidential appointments at designated times. While there are pamphlets and Web sites on the Medicare programs, Morgan has the training to help seniors with their individual questions.

“They aren’t out there fighting all alone,” said Morgan.

For help selecting a Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage program, call COCOA at 548-8817 or 504-0392.