Medicare’s annual open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7, and enrollment specialists are available to help individuals review coverage options and select the best plan to meet their needs and budget.
Individuals needing assistance with enrollment may call Ohio’s Medicare hotline at 1-800-686-1578, review the Medicare & You 2024 handbook, or visit the Medicare website.
Medicare plans change every year, and so can individuals’ health. Medicare’s Open Enrollment period gives everyone with Medicare the opportunity to make changes to their prescription drug plans or health plans for coverage beginning January 1, 2024.
Each year during Open Enrollment, Medicare recipients may review and stay with their current plans or look for a new plan with better coverage, higher quality, and lower costs. An Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) representative can also help individuals determine whether they may be eligible for the Low‐Income Subsidy or Medicare Savings Program and other Medicare premium assistance programs and assist with the application process.
For those struggling with prescription drug costs, Extra Help is a Medicare program that can help pay for drug coverage (Part D) premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and other out-of-pocket costs for those with annual incomes under $22,000.
Additionally, this year, Buckeye Hills Regional Council is partnering with the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol, part of the non-profit Pro Seniors organization, to drive awareness of medical identity theft and stop scammers.
Medical identity theft occurs when someone uses personal information – such as your name and Medicare number – to bill for services or supplies the recipient did not approve. Fraudsters may send unwanted COVID test kits, call to claim an individual qualifies for free genetic testing, claim that Medicare is issuing new cards, or bill Medicare for a knee brace in an individual’s name without their knowledge.
“The safety and well-being of seniors in Southeast Ohio is our number one priority,” said Jennifer Westfall, Aging & Health Director at Buckeye Hills Regional Council. “We are proud to partner with the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol and spread the word to help people detect, prevent, and report Medicare fraud.”
Ways to prevent medical identity theft:
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Never give out your Medicare number to anyone other than your doctor, health care provider, or other trusted representative.
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Understand that Medicare and Social Security already have your Medicare and Social Security numbers and will not initiate a call to you.
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Be cautious of anyone who comes to your door offering “free” testing, treatments, or supplies for genetic diseases, cancer, or the coronavirus.
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Be cautious when purchasing medical supplies from unverified or unknown sources, including online advertisements and email/phone solicitations.
What to do if you suspect fraud:
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Check your medical summary notices for visits, equipment, or services you did not approve.
If you gave out your Medicare number, it is now considered ‘compromised.’ Call the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol at 800-488-6070 and they can help you identify suspected fraud on your account, as well as help you request a new Medicare number.
About the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol
The Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol is part of the non-profit group Pro Seniors, Inc and is funded through a grant from the Administration for Community Living. We are fraud fighters helping to protect Medicare beneficiaries from medical identity fraud and stay safe from scammers. You can contact us at 800-488-6070 opt 4 or visit the Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol website.