Watch mail for Medicare Part D information

October is the month to start your Medicare Part D check-up for 2016. Watch your mailbox for news about Medicare drug plans and changes coming next year.  Look for:
• 2016 Medicare & You Handbook - this booklet includes a list of drug plans, premiums and basic plan information for next year.
• Annual Notice of Change - if you’re in a Medicare drug plan now your plan will send you a notice outlining changes for 2016 including premium, benefits and formulary (drug list) changes.  If you get your drug coverage through a Medicare Advantage plan watch for that plan’s notice of changes for 2016.
• Creditable Coverage Notice from Employer Plan - if you have drug coverage from your employer/retiree plan you must receive a notice by October 15 telling you if their coverage for 2016 is as good as Medicare’s. Keep this notice with your important papers.
www.medicare.gov – this Internet tool will be updated in mid-October with Part D plan information for 2016.
 You will be able to enroll in or change your Part D plan for 2015 from October 15 through December 7, 2015.
Veterans Memorial Hospital in Waukon has Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselors available each Monday and Thursday afternoon throughout the entire enrollment period. SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa. These SHIIP volunteers will be available to meet individually with anyone in the community who wishes to compare the Medicare Part D plans available for 2016.   Appointments are required.  Please call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 568-3411 to schedule your appointment. You will need to bring your Medicare card, current Part D plan card and a list of your medications from your pharmacy.