Don’t wait until the last minute to check out 2024 Medicare Drug Plans

Those eligible and interested have until December 7 to enroll in or change Medicare drug plans for 2024 and are advised to not wait until the last minute. Remember, those who are on Medicare and don’t have drug coverage, or if the coverage they have is not as good as Medicare’s, they will face a penalty for each month they delay enrolling.

Those who have questions about Medicare drug coverage should call their local SHIIP counselor at Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411. SHIIP volunteers are available to meet individually with anyone in the community who wishes to compare the Medicare Part D plans available for 2024.

Appointments are required. Call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 to schedule an appointment. Anyone meeting with a SHIIP counselor will need to bring their Medicare card, current Part D plan card and a list of their medications from their pharmacy. SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa.

Everyone also has the option of enrolling themselves, or getting a family member to help them enroll online at www.medicare.gov. Those who choose this option should be sure to print and keep a copy of the confirmation.

Those who enroll with an agent should also keep a copy of the signed (by the insured and the agent) and dated enrollment form.  Those who enroll by telephone with 1-800-Medicare or a plan will need to request a confirmation number, the name of the person enrolling them, and note the date and time enrolled.

The next opportunity to enroll or change plans for most people will be October 15-December 7 of 2024.