October 18, 2012 Page 5 Seniors Take Advantage of Medicare Open Enrollment By David Sayen no cost to patients when furnished by qualified make changes to their coverage. your prescription drug coverage costs. For Medicare is stronger than ever, with more and participating health professionals. The It’s worth it to take the time to review and more information, visit www.socialsecurity. benefits, better choices, and lower costs annual wellness visit allows people to sit down compare, but you don’t have to do it alone. gov/i1020 or call Social Security at 1-800-772- to beneficiaries. and discuss with their doctor their healthcare Medicare is available to help. 1213. TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778. E x p a n d e d needs and the best ways to stay healthy. • Visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan to If you qualify, you might pay no more than Medicare benefits • Better Choices: Medicare will notify compare your current coverage with all of $2.60 for each generic drug and $6.50 for each under the health beneficiaries about plan performance and use the options that are available in your area, brand-name drug. The Centers for Medicare care law (the its online Plan Finder to encourage enrollment and enroll in a new plan if you decide to and Medicaid Services estimates that more Affordable Care in quality plans. make a change. than two million people with Medicare may be Act) continue to •Lower Costs: Average premiums for 2013 • Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) eligible for the subsidy, but are not currently be available – for prescription drug coverage and Medicare 24 hours a day, seven days a week to find out enrolled to take advantage of these savings. including certain health plans will remain stable. People who are more about your coverage options. TTY users Even if you were previously turned down for free preventive in the “donut hole” in Medicare’s prescription should call 1-877-486-2048. Extra Help due to income or resource levels, benefits, cancer screenings, and an annual drug benefit will enjoy 53-percent discounts • Review the “Medicare & You 2013” you should reapply. If you qualify, you will wellness visit. on covered brand-name drugs and 21-percent handbook. It is mailed to people with Medicare get help paying for Medicare prescription Whether you choose Original Medicare or discounts on generic drugs. in September. drug coverage premiums, copayments, and a Medicare Advantage plan, take advantage Your health needs change from year to • Get one-on-one help from your State deductibles. To qualify, you must make less of Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period to year. And your health plan may change the Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). than $16,755 a year (or $22,695 for married review cost, coverage, or both for next year benefits and costs each year, too. That’s why Visit www.medicare.gov/contacts or call couples). Even if your annual income is higher, (2013). Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15 and it’s important to evaluate your Medicare choices 1-800-MEDICARE to get the phone number you still may be able to get some extra help. runs through Dec. 7. regularly. Open Enrollment is the one time of for your state. Resources include bank accounts, stocks, •More Benefits: Certain preventive benefits year when all people with Medicare can see • If you have limited income and resources, and bonds, but not your house or car. There’s – including cancer screenings – are available at what new benefits Medicare has to offer and you may be able to get Extra Help paying no cost or obligation to apply for Extra Help. “You will receive everything you need when you stop asking for what you do not need.” ~ Nisargadatta Maharaj El Camino College Alumni -------- Portraits of Success -------- “El Camino College provided an opportunity for me to gain a new perspective on life. I had just picture of health? finished my European tour withAre you the the Beatles and had to reevaluate where my music career was going. ECC provided me the chance to restart my life, to further my education and give me new direction.” Chris Montez Singer/Songwriter Hawthorne High School Class of 1962 2012 El Camino College Distinguished Alumnus Photo by Andrew Eccles “Colorectal cancer often has no symptoms, so please get tested. I did.” Katie Couric, Co-Founder EIF’s National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance If you’re over 50, get screened. Proudly Serving the South Bay EL CAMINO COLLEGE for 65 Years Stay Connected with El Camino College facebook.com/ElCaminoCollege twitter.com/ECC_Online www.elcamino.edu 1-866-ELCAMINO
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