Page 9 - Leisure Living

Four Medicare Drug Plan
Savings Tips For 2016
By Steve Gulas, Bolte Insurance, www.bolteinsurance.com
1.) This year’s open enrollment is Oct. 15th to Dec. 7th.
This is the time of the year when everyone on Medicare can elect to make a change for 2016. Applications must be received by the plan in this time frame in order to make a plan change effective 1-1-2016. Typically Medicare has the 2016 plan information available to view on their website about the first week of October each year. Typically the first week of October you will receive the Annual Notice of Change from your present plan that will notify you of changes to your present plan. Reading this letter is very important and it will let you know of changes that may impact you with your present plan.
2.) Evaluate your medications in the Medicare plan finder.
Just because your Part D plan worked well for you last this year, you cannot assume it will rolling into next year. Each year plan premiums, deductibles, copays, and formulary lists of what medications are covered by your plan can change. I recommend the best way to evaluate plans is through the Medicare website where you can compare all plans available in the county in which you live and quickly determine which plan will save you the most money based on your medication list. In 2015 there were about 30 different drug plans to choose from. This website offers one stop shopping to compare plans.
Companionship • Personal Care Medication Reminders • Meal Preparation Light Housekeeping • Incidental Transportation
419.734.5050
3.) Consult with your doctor about your medications.
This step is very important if you are on any expensive medications. Consult with your doctor and/or pharmacist to evaluate if there any less expensive medications that you may be able to use. Many name brand medications may not have a generic medication available, however there may be an alternative lower priced medication that can be used to treat your condition. Discussing these options may save you lots of money.
4.) Evaluate where you purchase your medications.
Within the Medicare website you can easily compare costs at your favorite retail pharmacy and also see the possible savings of using mail order or different retail pharmacy’s. Mail order is not always the least expensive way to purchase your medications. This can vary by plan and the medications you are taking.
Bolte Insurance offers Medicare drug plan evaluations free of charge. We will print out and provide you with the top three money saving plans available, based on your medication list in the county in which you live in. If you would like us to help you with this call us at 419-732-3111. It is important to have the names of your medications, dosage, and your best estimate of the quantity of the medication you use on a monthly basis ready when you call.
Where the locals come to eat!
Live Music!
OUTDOOR DECK DINING! homemade $2.00 Of f soups, bread,
any check valued at $19.99 or more. Limit 1 per table. Expires 10/30/15
desserts & nightly dinner specials
Visit www.marbleheadgalley.com for full menu
& specials • 419-798-5356
113 West Main St., Downtown Marblehead, OH
7AM - 8PM Wkday, Extended hours weekends Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner
www.LeisureLivingMagazine.com
Autumn 2015 LeisureLiving | 9