Ohio Saves Consumers $1.26M on Medicare Open Enrollment
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- During this annual coverage selection period, the Ohio Insurance Department has helped 12,496 Ohioans with their questions about Medicare and helped them realize a record $1.266 million in savings. Open enrollment began Oct. 15 and concludes at midnight Dec. 7.
Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor, who also serves as director of the Department of Insurance, made the announcment Monday.
“We are working to reach as many of Ohio’s two million Medicare recipients as we can in the coming weeks and so far the results are positive,” Taylor said. “I encourage seniors to call on us to assist them as they secure a plan that best meets their individual health care needs and budget for 2013.”
One reason for the savings is department representatives helping consumers compare prescription drug and Medicare Advantage coverages, Taylor noted. The covered drugs and pharmacies in a plan’s network, premiums, deductibles and co-payments can change from one year to the next. While not everyone needs to make a change, Taylor said contacting the department remains a good idea for comparison checks.
Recently, the department celebrated its 20th anniversary as Medicare’s designated educational and enrollment assistance program in Ohio for beneficiaries, family members and health care professionals. The program helped Ohioans with Medicare save more than $757,000 during open enrollment last year, Taylor said.
Ohioans with questions are invited to call the department at 1 800 686 1578.
In addition, a special Medicare check-up and open enrollment toolkit, which includes a list of plans, financial assistance information and an events schedule, is available at the department website.
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.