Released: October 29, 2007

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) staff at the Department of Insurance is now available to help Louisiana Medicare beneficiaries enroll in one of a large number of Louisiana Medicare Stand-Alone Rx plans available in 2008. Beneficiaries who have not already enrolled in a Medicare Prescription drug plan or who wish to change plans may do so between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31. SHIIP staff can also assist in comparing Medicare Advantage Plans. Beneficiaries are encouraged to enroll or make changes in the present coverage by December 8 to ensure that they will be able to get their prescription on January 1, according to Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 2008 plan comparison information is now available for viewing at www.medicare.gov. The SHIIP staff at the Department of Insurance is on standby to assist beneficiaries who do not have access to a computer or who need help when comparing prescription plans or choosing one for the first time. To take advantage of SHIIP’s free service, call the nationwide, toll-free number, 1-800-259-5301.

“You need to start thinking about your choices early if you are enrolling in the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan for the first time or if you want to consider changing plans,” SHIIP Director Alan Heumann said. To view all your plan options, go to the Department of Insurance Web site, www.ldi.state.la.us, and click on “2008 Louisiana Stand-Alone Medicare Rx Plans.” Changing plans could include moving to or from a Medicare Advantage plan.

“December is no time to get involved in a rush to make major health care decisions,” Donelon said. “Avoid the frantic holiday pace by letting SHIIP counselors help you make an early decision about your 2008 Medicare prescription drug coverage.”

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