The open enrollment period for Medicare Part D runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, during which beneficiaries can change their Medicare prescription plans. Unfortunately, many of these beneficiaries don’t understand the complex senior insurance system and need help navigating it.

“This can be very confusing,” said Linn Hogg, director of RSVP of Central Kansas. Her agency works with seniors facing the Medicare quagmire.

That is why RSVP will offer free Medicare counseling. The office will start taking appointments Oct. 1, and the number of appointments is not limited.

As of now, the consultations will take place at the RSVP office, 1025 Main in Great Bend. Hogg said they may try to set some up in Hoisington and Larned in the future.

“We have five counselors who will do Part D comparisons,” Hogg said. “They will help find the best plans for seniors.”

For those unfamiliar with Medicare, Part D includes the prescription plans that help cover medication costs. Seniors are required to have one of these or face penalty fees.

Medicare also has Part A that covers hospital costs and Part B that covers physician costs, preventative care and medical equipment. There is a Part C which includes supplemental insurance health maintenance organization (HMO)-like plans, but the latter are not common in this area.

“The open enrollment applies only to the Part D,” Hogg said. And this is where the counselors will focus.

But, Hogg said they will take appointments for those new to Medicare as well. This can be done at any time.

The importance of comparison

“Some seniors signed up for a Part D plan at age 65 but have never compared it,” Hogg said. “There’s a possibility we could find a lower, yearly out-of-pocket plan.”

Last year, the RSVP counselors served 237 clients and saved them a total of $55,678, she said. “That’s substantial.”

Also, for low-income applicants, Hogg said the counselors may be able to find premium assistance.

In addition, clients can learn about other services provided by RSVP, such as Meals on Wheels, medical transportation rides and volunteer opportunities to keep engaged in the community. “We can help meet many of our seniors’ needs,” Hogg said.

What to expect

Hogg said the appointments should last between 30 minutes and an hour. Those being helped should bring their new Medicare card with their Medicare number and their current prescriptions (or, if they are uncomfortable with that, a list of their medications, but the actual prescriptions are preferred).

The counselors are affiliated with the Senior Health Insurance Counselors of Kansas (SHICK) and trained through the Dodge City-based Southwest Kansas Area Agency on Aging. This is a state program funded with federal money.

The SHICK counselors are non-biased and not connected to any one plan, Hogg said. “They are just giving choices so you can make the best, most well-informed decision.”