Open enrollment for Medicare Part C and D began Monday and qualifying recipients will have until Dec. 7 to make drug and health plan choices.

There is only one election period for both Parts C and D. After this time, plan changes can be made during the annual disenrollment period of Jan. 1 – Feb. 14 of each year. During the disenrollment period, recipients will only be allowed to leave a Medicare Part C plan and return to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) with the option of choosing a prescription drug plan.

GeorgiaCares provides free, one-on-one assistance, so that callers can get personalized help as they compare their options and decide on which plans best meet their needs. GeorgiaCares urges everyone to review their coverage and make sure that any changes to the plan for 2013 will still meet their needs. Those not wanting to make changes can remain in his or her plan from 2012 as long as the plan is still available.

When calling GeorgiaCares for assistance, callers may have to leave a message due to high call volume. But all calls will be returned. Please be prepared to provide a list of medications and information on current Medicare coverage.
Those interested in a Medicare Advantage Plan should begin talking to their doctors and other medical providers to find out which plans they accept.

GeorgiaCares can be reached at 1-866-55AGING (1-866-552-4464).

In addition to GeorgiaCares, use the following resources to assist with comparing plan options:

• A notice of any coverage changes from your drug plan.

• The enhanced Medicare Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov.

• The Medicare & You 2013 annual handbook that explains Medicare coverage.

• 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227), which will be available 24/7.