ATLANTA—The GeorgiaCares State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is helping Medicare recipients make informed decisions about which prescription drug and Advantage plan options are best for them. 

 

Consumers can compare available plans by visiting www.Medicare.gov. They also may call GeorgiaCares toll-free at 1-800-669-8387 for personalized assistance.

 

Open enrollment for Medicare Part C and D begins Nov. 15, and recipients will have until Dec. 31 to make their choices. With so many options available, choosing the right one is important. This is the first year that there will be one election period for both Part C and D plans. 

 

After this time, plan changes can be made during the annual Disenrollment Period of Jan. 1-Feb. 15 of each year. During the Disenrollment Period, beneficiaries will only be allowed to leave a Medicare Part C plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with the option of choosing a prescription drug plan.

 

“The GeorgiaCares SHIP network provides one-on-one assistance, so that callers can get personalized help as they compare their options and decide on which plans best meet their needs,” said Dr. James J. Bulot, director of the DHS Division of Aging Services.