Press Release

Seniors Can Save Money

Most seniors who check their Medicare prescription drug plan coverage will save money if they change plans, according to senior advocate Kris Thompson who was in Onawa last week.

Thompson addressed some 50 persons attending the Burgess Health Center Medicare seminar held at the community center. As senior health advocate of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) of the Iowa Insurance Division, Thompson is traveling the state addressing senior groups.

“We have been astounded at what our volunteers are finding,” Thompson said, “because we’re learning nearly 85 percent of people on prescription drug plans will save money if they change plans.”

Now through Dec. 31 - the open enrollment time period for Medicare Part D plans - Burgess is helping seniors who want to compare their current plan to others that might cost less.

“We presented this program and are helping seniors study their choices as a community service,” said Roxanne Swanson, Burgess director of reimbursement.

Seniors should bring their costliest medications to the hospital patient financial services office for reference, Swanson said. Burgess personnel will open up the Medicare computer web site and enter a senior’s Medicare number and medication information. The senior will then receive a print-out with top low-cost choices to help them make a decision if they should change plans.

Seniors or their children who have a computer can also review other plans at home by logging onto www.medicare.gov.

Every year an open enrollment period allows seniors to switch their prescription drug coverage plans. Some 20 companies offer dozens of plan choices in Iowa.

Thompson says seniors with incomes below a set amount qualify for extra help paying their premium and the cost of their prescriptions. Applications should be made to Social Security.

Thompson also reminded persons at the Burgess seminar that Medicare now covers the cost of cholesterol tests every five years and diabetes screening tests up to twice a year. It also covers 80 percent of an annual glaucoma eye screening and a bone mass measurement for osteoporosis.

Other screenings covered include mammography, pap tests, colorectal screening and prostate cancer. Medicare also now pays for a general physical exam in the first six months on Medicare.

“These are potentially life saving benefits,” said Thompson. “We encourage seniors to take advantage of them.”

Persons interested in receiving computer print-outs about plan choices from Burgess should call the patient financial services office at 712-423-2311.