Save Money on Medications

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Most people don’t realize the high cost of prescription medications until they, or someone they care about, experiences a personal health crisis. High drug costs can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. It may even force them to make difficult decisions – should I buy healthy food or my medicine this month? 

Here are some options that you can explore to reduce the cost of your medication: 

  1. Medication Review –Ask your pharmacist to review your medications for ways to reduce your costs. There may be lower-priced drug options, or you may save money by changing the way you fill your prescription. Make sure each time you’re prescribed a new medication that you talk to your pharmacist and ask these questions before filling the prescription. 
  2. Patient Assistance Program or Foundation –Find out if you can get help paying for your medication through a patient assistance program or foundation. These programs are often sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and available to help people who can’t afford their medications. You can do your own research using one of the following online search tools or you can call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433. 
  3. Extra Help Program – People on Medicare who have limited income and resources may be eligible to get Extra Help with drug costs. Extra Help can be worth about $5,000 per year. To find out more, contact Social Security, or call the Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433.
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Stop – Look – Review for 2022

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Once again, it’s time for Medicare Open Enrollment, which runs from October 15 through December 7. This is the time when you can make changes to your Medicare and/or your prescription drug plan for the coming year.

According to Robin Thompson, Information and Assistance Director with the Senior LinkAge Line®, “too many people on Medicare ignore this time-limited opportunity to review Medicare plan options that could save them money and improve their benefits. People shop around for gas, food and household goods, but don’t consider the fact that health insurance is one of their most costly expenses.”

People have a lot of different excuses for not taking the time to review their Medicare plan choices — it’s so confusing, or I like my current plan, or I don’t want to have to mess with changing plans. Let the Senior LinkAge Line do the heavy lifting by helping you explore your options so you can find a plan that best meets your needs.

The Senior LinkAge Line is Minnesota’s federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). We provide free non-biased help with all issues related to Medicare. Trained specialists are available Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Don’t wait until it’s too late, call the Senior LinkAge Line at 800-333-2433 to make sure you have the plan that is best for you.

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It’s Free! Discover Medicare Preventive Care

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Most of us are familiar with annual physicals – but did you know that Medicare covers preventive visits differently? Within the first 12 months of enrolling in Medicare Part B, you are entitled to a free Welcome to Medicare preventive visit, which includes:

  • A review of your medical and social history
  • Education and counseling about preventive services
  • Height, weight and blood pressure measurements
  • A calculation of your body mass index
  • A simple vision test
  • A review of your potential risk for depression and your level of safety
  • An offer to talk with you about creating advance directives
  • A written plan letting you know which screenings, shots, and other preventive services you need.

The Welcome to Medicare preventive visit could uncover health issues you were unaware of that require timely treatment. People on Medicare are also eligible for a free Annual Wellness Visit. These exams are critical to keeping your medical information up to date, helping you stay healthy and creating or updating a plan of action to address health issues. Both the Welcome to Medicare one-time visit and your Annual Wellness Visit (covered once every 12 months) are free. You will not pay for these visits, unless you receive additional services. Take advantage of these important benefits and schedule your visit today!

Contact the Senior LinkAge Line® at 800-333-2433 if you have questions or want more information about Medicare’s wellness exams. The Senior LinkAge Line is a free, statewide service of the Minnesota Board on Aging in partnership with Minnesota’s Area Agencies on Aging. The Senior LinkAge Line is Minnesota’s federally designated State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and the place to call for questions and information on Medicare and much more.

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Enrolling in Medicare – Getting the Information you Need

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Understanding Medicare can be overwhelming for most people. Knowing when and how to enroll can feel like a daunting process. But understanding some of the basics of Medicare will help you to take charge. Whether you are approaching age 65 or helping a friend or family member to understand their options, here are a few key things to know about enrolling in Medicare:

  • You can only enroll in Medicare at certain times.
  • There are factors, such as age and employment status, that determine when you should enroll in Medicare to avoid paying penalties.
  • While some people are automatically enrolled in Medicare, most have to enroll themselves. You can enroll in Medicare by calling your local Social Security office or by visiting ssa.gov.
  • You have choices about how to receive your Medicare benefits and coverage, and you can make changes to your benefits and coverage during certain times of the year and if you qualify for a special enrollment period.
  • People with limited income and resources may be eligible to get help paying for some costs of Medicare.

 

The Senior LinkAge Line® is here to answer your questions about when and how to enroll in Medicare. They provide free, non-biased and comprehensive information about Medicare enrollment customized for you. Call 800-333-2433 Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to speak to someone who can help. Personalized assistance is just a call away!

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