California Health Insurance News 
Articles / Seniors advised to carefully research Medicare Part D options.
11/21/2005
This week, enrollment began for Medicare's new prescription drug plan, better known as Medicare Part D. Most people have until May 15, 2006 to sign up before late enrollment penalties apply. Whether you are a senior, a person with a disability or someone trying to help a parent or friend, agents and independent brokers as well as senate representatives are encouraging seniors to carefully research the available options before selecting a plan.
Because of the infinite number of variations from company to company and state to state, it is vitally important that seniors get as much data as they can in order to make an informed decision as to whether to enroll or which company to enroll with.
Much information is readily available especially on the Internet and government sources are also supplying valuable information, which is available at www.medicare.gov or on telephone number 1-800-633-4227.
For those seniors or people suffering from disability that live in California, good information is also available at California Health Insurance and Advocacy Program: (213) 383-4519 or (800)-824-0780 or on the web at www.calmedicare.org
Signing up for the new Medicare Part D will not make sense for everyone. There are coverage gaps and in some cases significant out-of-pocket expenses. At the same time, the plan provides substantial savings for some Medicare beneficiaries, so seniors are advised to take their time, check the relevant facts that apply to their area, state and circumstances and know what options are available.
Where possible, the best option is always personal contact with an independent insurance broker who is in a position to give unbiased advice on the best Medicare Plan D without being necessarily tied to any one company.
"Between now and May 15th 2006 is a very worrying time for seniors" said David Thau, founder of Keep It Simple Insurance Inc. in Los Angeles. "There are so many variations in benefits that it is hard for seniors to make an easy decision. This is where we feel, as independents, we can be of great assistance in helping sort out these problems for our clients and giving advice as to which Medicare Plan D best suits the seniors' circumstances."
