Hamm invites Fargo area residents to Medicare Part D enrollment event

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Adam Hamm today reminded North Dakotans the annual enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, is coming up.

"We want to make sure all Medicare beneficiaries know this is the time to compare Part D drug plans," Hamm said. "Beneficiaries used to have until the end of the year, but for the second year in a row, the enrollment period ends Dec. 7. It's very important to review your plan before that date."

Fargo area residents are invited to attend a free enrollment event 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24 at the Doublewood Inn, 3333 13th Ave. S, Fargo.

The Insurance Department's State Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIC) staff is traveling to seven cities around the state during the annual enrollment period, offering free assistance in switching or enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you will be attending an event and have been given a yellow drug retrieval card, please bring it to the event for expedited service. Consumers also need to bring a list of their medications, including dosages and frequency.

Eligible North Dakotans who are unable to attend an annual enrollment event have two other options:

Call 2-1-1 by Nov. 21, 2012 from anywhere in North Dakota. Have your medication information ready. The top three plan choices will be mailed to beneficiaries.

Visit www.medicare.gov and enter your information in the Plan Finder tool. On the homepage, click the yellow button labeled "find health and drug plans."

"It's important to review your drug plan every year," Hamm said. "Companies often make changes to the plans they offer and to the drugs they cover. Make sure your plan is still the best one for you."

For details on the annual enrollment events, call SHIC at 1-888-575-6611 or visit www.nd.gov/ndins.