Key Date for the 2010 Medicare Open Enrollment Period - October 2009

Watch your mail for your 2010 Medicare & You handbook - November 2009

Enroll in or change your 2010 Medicare Prescription Drug Plan November 15th thru December 31, 2009

* The open enrollment period ends on December 31st. This is the last day to enroll or change plans until November 2010 (see exception below).

NOTE:   People who become eligible for Medicare for the first time may enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan during the three months before and the three months after their 65th birthday (or the date they become eligible for Medicare).

Medicare Facts

The following will help you understand the Medicare policies and procedures.

1. What is Medicare?
2. What is Part D prescription coverage?
3. Is Medicare Part D right for me?
4. Common Questions about Part D.
5. Medicare Resources.

Understanding Medicare Part D is the first step in choosing the prescription insurance plan that's right for you. Visit Hillcrest's pharmacy today for brochures that explain Medicare Part D prescription insurance; stop by again after October 1, and we'll provide you with information that explores the benefits of individual plans.

Our pharmacists can explain the Medicare Part D program to you and answer any other questions you may have -- we're here to help you make the most of this new program.

Medicare Part D will give you the freedom to choose a pharmacy based on services and convenience, not just price. Depending on your plan, you will likely pay the same co-pay no matter which pharmacy you choose within your network. And since Hillcrest is a member of nearly all networks, our services and convenience make us the one solution you need.

You can rest assured that, for all your Medicare Part D questions, you can turn to Hillcrest for answers.

Medicare Resources

Medicare Helpline
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For help with choosing Part D prescription drug coverage, and for questions about Medicare:

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
TTY 1-877-486-2048

Social Security Administration

For help with questions about eligibility for and enrolling in Medicare, Social Security retirement benefits, and disability benefits, and for questions about eligibility for help with costs of a Part D plan:

1-800-772-1213
TTY 1-800-325-0778
www.ssa.gov

Your health plan's customer service center:

For questions about your existing health coverage, call the telephone number on your identification card.

Your state's medical assistance or Medicaid office:

For questions about your state's Medicaid program, call the Medicare Helpline (1-800-MEDICARE) and ask the operator for the telephone number for your state's Medical Assistance or Medicaid office.

Your state's health insurance assistance program:

For help with questions about buying insurance, choosing a health plan, buying a Medicare supplement policy, and your rights and protections under Medicare, call the Medicare Helpline (1-800-MEDICARE) and ask the operator for the telephone number for your state's Health Insurance Assistance Program office.

Medicare & You:

Official Medicare handbook for Medicare programs, including Part D prescription drug plans

(2008 edition available in October 2007).

AARP web site:

For information about Medicare and other programs for seniors:

www.aarp.org

Medicare web site:

For help with choosing Part D prescription drug coverage, and for questions about Medicare:
www.medicare.gov

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