MedicareRxMatters: Ask the Experts

Medicare Question of the Month

Each month, our expert showcases a Medicare question submitted by one of our readers. You may submit a question at any time and get a personal response.

December 2008 Question:

  • My Part D Medicare drug plan is going to cost too much next year. What can I do?

Answer

  • Hurry up! You can pick another plan for 2009, but you only have until Wednesday, December 31st at midnight to switch to a plan than may better meet your needs in 2009. You can find out all about how to explore your options and enroll in a new plan on My Medicare Matters. You must make your switch before midnight on Wednesday.

    If you would like to get free, unbiased, personalized help from a trained benefits counselor, search for an organization in your community.

Our Expert:

Hilary Dalin
Associate Director, My Medicare Matters
National Council on Aging

Hilary Dalin has worked for many years to enable Medicare beneficiaries to understand their rights by strengthening Medicare beneficiary education and personalized counseling.

At NCOA and in her prior positions, Ms. Dalin has worked with State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs), state and local agencies on aging, and other aging network professionals. She has taught elder law at law schools in New York, Connecticut, and Washington, DC.

In addition, she has written and lectured on the following topics:

  • Medicare, Medicaid, and home and community-based care as an alternative to institutionalization
  • The rights of nursing home residents
  • Benefits education and counseling skills.

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