By Betsy Brewer Brantner
Contributing Writer

“October is the month senior citizens can review their prescription plans and find savings,” Sally Arter, the information and assistance specialist for the Oxford Senior Center explained.

This time of the year at the Senior Center there will be individual meetings sponsored by the various insurance companies in the area such as Keystone 65, Humana, and Aetna. It’s a good idea to make yourself available for all of these informational meetings. You will receive mailings with dates and times. There will also be opportunities to hear about changes in Medicare and health insurance. This information may be helpful to you if you are dissatisfied with your current carrier. If you are satisfied with your provider, Arter will be glad to assist you in filling out your renewal forms. If you have any questions, be sure to call the Oxford Senior Center to set up an appointment. 

Arter said, “No question is too dumb or insignificant. It is not necessary to renew supplement plans.”

When coming in for any appointment, be sure to bring everything you have received regarding your needs. Bring in a list of prescriptions you are currently taking, too.

“I’d rather you bring in too much than have to send you home for more information,” Arter said.

Sometimes things can happen with a prescription plan that are beyond your control. For instance, if you are in a nursing home, or living somewhere other than where you normally receive your mail, you may not get information that is sent to you regarding your current prescription plan. Sometimes the prescription plan that currently covers you may be discontinued. If you don’t receive a notice telling you it is discontinued, your prescriptions may not be covered for the next year.

Everyone who has Medicare is required to pay a $250 deductible each year before claims are paid.

Each prescription plan is different and Arter will clearly explain that to you. It is important to check every year. Some plans will cover more than others on the cost of your prescriptions. Some plans will require you go to a different pharmacy, or may not cover one of your prescriptions at all.

Each plan has its own contract with the drug company regarding what they will pay for a prescription. What is paid also depends on whether your prescription is generic or not. You might also save by going to a different pharmacy.

Some people may save thousands of dollars by visiting Arter first. Each year, the payment can change, as can the cost of the plan.

It is important to sit down and talk with Arter about all of the prescriptions you take in order to get the most savings.

If this is your first year on Medicare and even if you aren’t taking regular medications, the cost of vaccinations, or antibiotics may also be a concern to you so don’t delay. You can reach Arter at the Oxford Senior Center at 610-932-5244. You can leave a message if she is not available. In today’s world, with prices rising on everything, it is worth it to make an appointment.