Official government handbook, Medicare and You 2009
Have you received your official Medicare and You 2009 handbook in the mail? If not, you can call Medicare at 1-800-633-5227 and request they send you a copy. Make sure to let them let them know that you live in Washington state as it contains special information just for this state.
If you are considering to join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan you can do that each year between November 15 and December 31. Your coverage starts at the 1st of each new physical year.
For additional information on when you can change your Medicare health or prescription coverage after the above dates, under certain circumstances, refer to pages 59 and 65 in your "Medicare and You 2009" handbook.
If you have any confusion about your current Medicare plan, purchasing a new plan or changing plans, contact SHIP for Washington ( Statewide Health Insurance Benefits). They are there to help you find your answers. You can call the adviser (SHIBA) helpline at 1-800-562-6900. There is no charge to you for this service. SHIBA also has a publication you can download on line called "Your Medicare Choices".
Medicare Supplements (Medigap Policies) are available throughout the State of Washington. Not all plans are available in all areas. To find out what policies are available in your area visit the Health Insurance of Washington State website at http://www.healthinsurancewashington.com/medicare/index.html
If you do not have prescription coverage through your Medicare plan, you may want to visit the Washington State Attorney Generals Office web site. There you will find a section on protecting senior citizens which includes information on Washington Prescription Drug Program, which is free.
Medicare Advantage - if you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, SHIBA has a publication that tells you what you need to know before you buy. You can download their fact sheet here.
For additional information on plans available in your area, call your Doctors office or local hospitals to see if they can give you times and dates for any scheduled seminars to learn more about programs offered in your area. These classes are free and can help you determine which plan is best for you.
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