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Now is a Good Time to Review Your Medicare Plan
Information and
Assistance Service
Resource specialists can quickly answer questions and access information for callers using a computerized database listing over 5,000 senior services and 2,000 providers in southeast Michigan. Call toll-free, 800- 852- 7795.
Hours are 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., weekdays. You can also visit www.aaa1b.com
ACCESS: Your Link to Community Resources is published by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B, 29100 Northwestern Highway, Suite 400, Southfield, MI 48034, phone: 800-852-7795,
fax: 248-948-9691. Paid advertisers are not endorsed by the Area Agency on Aging 1-B. Questions and comments may be directed to Jenny Jarvis, Director of Communications, or Sallie Justice, Communications Manager, editor. Access is written by Rebecca Rabano. Design and production by Northlight Design. Printing by Pinnacle Printing & Promotions.
Don’t Miss the Area Agency on Aging 1-B’s Living Well
Radio Series!
“Living Well” is a radio series that can be heard
on our five radio partners. This informational feature provides tips, resources and important information to family caregivers, who are often struggling to balance caregiving with work, family and other obligations. “Living Well” sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact Bill Hayes at 248-644-1990.
Many thanks to our recent sponsors who have helped bring you “Living Well.”
PAID ADVERTISEMENT
Medicare’s “Coordinated Election Period” or “Open Enrollment Period” starts on Thursday, October 15th and continues through Monday, December 7, 2015. During this
time, Medicare beneficiaries can:
• Enroll in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan
• Switch Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans
• Change from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan
• Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan back to original Medicare
• Switch Medicare Advantage plans
There are 30 some Medicare Part D plans being offered in Michigan for coverage in 2016. Medicare Part D plans offer prescription coverage to those eligible for Medicare. The plans are sold and managed by private companies and vary greatly in terms of monthly premiums, annual deductibles, drugs covered and prescription prices. If you enroll in a plan, or switch to a different plan during open enrollment period (between October 15 and December 7) your new plan will take effect January 1, 2016. Your current plan should send you an “Annual Notice of Change” by September 30, 2015, which outlines any changes to your current plan for next year. It is important to review your Part D Annual Notice of Change every year because premiums, co- payments or the drugs covered can change from year-to-year, even within the same plan. If you are not happy with any of the changes to your current plan, you may choose to look at other Medicare Part D plan options.
The Area Agency on Aging 1-B’s (AAA 1-B) Medicare and Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) will be offering help with plans and choices throughout the election period. You can get help from a trained MMAP counselor by calling the MMAP assistance line at 800-803-7174 or attending one of the Medicare Part D Assistance Days being held by the AAA 1-B at venues throughout the six-county region it serves (Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw). These Assistance Days give Medicare recipients an opportunity to work one-on-one with a trained MMAP counselor or volunteer to compare plans and choices. Check the aaa1b.com website for Assistance Days dates and details or call the MMAP Assistance Line at 800-803-7174 for more info on scheduled dates.
Calendar of Events
Farmington Hills Total Wellness Fair: Adults 50 & Better
Tuesday, September 15, 2015 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Costick Center
28600 Eleven Mile Road Farmington Hills, MI 48336
Call 248-473-1823 for more information
2015 Solutions for Family Caregivers Expo
Saturday, October 17, 2015 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Suburban Collection Showplace 46100 Grand River Avenue Novi, MI 48374
Free parking, admission and respite care. Over 120 exhibitors and 12 presentations. See pages 4 and 5 for details. For more information, call 800-852-7795 or visit www.michigancaregiverexpo.com