Disability Law

Wild West Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Tomorrow for Social Security Disability Recipients

By Turley, Redmond & Rosasco, LLP

Tomorrow begins the "Wild West"  Medicare plan open enrollment period for Social Security disability recipients.  Social Security disability recipients entitled to Medicare can change their Medicare Advantage plan and Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage plan between November 15, 2008 and December 31, 2008.  But be careful!  Pick the wrong plan, and you could lose your current doctor, or worse!

Choosing the right Medicare Plan and prescription drug plan for you is more difficult, in my opinion, than picking a good mutual fund in the current stock market!  In addition, Medicare recipients are besieged at this time of year by slick advertising from insurance company salesmen hocking the advantages of their own plans.  Its a recipe for disaster for disabled individuals whose health care coverage is probably the most important thing in their lives.

The best I can advise is to check out the Medicare Advantage Plan Comparison tool  sponsored by the federal government.  Click here for the tool.  Also, ask for assistance from legitimate organizations such as the Medicare Rights Center.  Hopefully, the new Obama administration can help simplify the Medicare maze (mess) next year.  Some of the sickest among us, Social Security disability recipients, have their health at stake!  There has got to be a better way.

Full post as published by The New York Disability Law Blog on November 14, 2008 (boomark / email).