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Groups offer insight to elderly on choice of Medicare plans
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By Angie Hutschreider
angieh@newstribune.com
Medicare recipients are once again facing renewal, which is a scary and confusing thought for some. Help sorting through the plans can be found at the Paula J. Carter Center for Minority Health and Aging and the Central Missouri Area Agency on Aging (CMAAA).
Treaka Young, coordinator of the center, said this is the second year they have offered help to seniors and disabled persons enrolled in Medicare. This is the first year CMAAA has partnered with them.
“We want to reach as many people as we can and help them look over the plans and figure out what works best for them,” Young said.
This year, in addition to staff of CMAAA and the Carter Center, Young said six University of Missouri pharmacy students also are volunteering time.
Last year, 15-20 people took advantage of the help, but Young said they hope to reach at least 30 people this year.
“What most people do not realize is that we can help them enroll in the MoRx Program and the Medicare Extra Help Program,” said Jody Rackers, regional program coordinator with CMAAA.
Rackers said that people already enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan they like still need to pay attention to the plans being offered.
“Every year the plans get reformulated so what was good last year may not be good this year,” she said. “Plan comparisons can tell us what will work best for each person based on their needs.”
Young said it is all about making sure everyone is informed. “It is important to at least come in and have the information so you are able to make an informed decision,” Young said.
Young said home-bound people needing help can send a legal representative with a list of medications and their Medicare card for assistance in the process.
Young says the center's new location is much more accessible, especially for the elderly and disabled.
In June, the Paula J. Carter Center for Minority Health and Aging moved to 900 Leslie Blvd., on the south end of the Lincoln University campus.
“We really want to let people know we have plenty of parking, plenty of room in the building and there is a shorter distance to walk to get to the building,” she said.
Those wishing to go to the center for help with Medicare Part D plan comparisons should expect to spend about an hour at the center.
Appointments can be made by calling 681-5530, but are not required.
Help with enrollment will continue at the center 9 a.m.- noon, Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 3-5.
Rackers said that help will still be available until the Dec. 31 Medicare enrollment deadline at CMAAA by calling (573) 634-8239 or 634-8828.
Treaka Young, coordinator of the center, said this is the second year they have offered help to seniors and disabled persons enrolled in Medicare. This is the first year CMAAA has partnered with them.
“We want to reach as many people as we can and help them look over the plans and figure out what works best for them,” Young said.
This year, in addition to staff of CMAAA and the Carter Center, Young said six University of Missouri pharmacy students also are volunteering time.
Last year, 15-20 people took advantage of the help, but Young said they hope to reach at least 30 people this year.
“What most people do not realize is that we can help them enroll in the MoRx Program and the Medicare Extra Help Program,” said Jody Rackers, regional program coordinator with CMAAA.
Rackers said that people already enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan they like still need to pay attention to the plans being offered.
“Every year the plans get reformulated so what was good last year may not be good this year,” she said. “Plan comparisons can tell us what will work best for each person based on their needs.”
Young said it is all about making sure everyone is informed. “It is important to at least come in and have the information so you are able to make an informed decision,” Young said.
Young said home-bound people needing help can send a legal representative with a list of medications and their Medicare card for assistance in the process.
Young says the center's new location is much more accessible, especially for the elderly and disabled.
In June, the Paula J. Carter Center for Minority Health and Aging moved to 900 Leslie Blvd., on the south end of the Lincoln University campus.
“We really want to let people know we have plenty of parking, plenty of room in the building and there is a shorter distance to walk to get to the building,” she said.
Those wishing to go to the center for help with Medicare Part D plan comparisons should expect to spend about an hour at the center.
Appointments can be made by calling 681-5530, but are not required.
Help with enrollment will continue at the center 9 a.m.- noon, Nov. 28-30 and Dec. 3-5.
Rackers said that help will still be available until the Dec. 31 Medicare enrollment deadline at CMAAA by calling (573) 634-8239 or 634-8828.
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