From the Bayfield County Department of Health Services’ Elder Benefits Specialist
Every year Medicare Part D plans (the prescription portion of Medicare) can change the list of prescription medications they will cover. That means even if Medicare beneficiaries are taking the same medications, the amount they pay for their medications may change in 2021 from what they are currently paying in 2020. The plans’ premiums, deductibles, and co-pays can also change each year.

What can people do about this? All Medicare beneficiaries should check their Part D coverage each year during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period which runs October 15th through December 7th. This is the time of year to find out if one’s current plan will cost more, or less than other Part D plans in 2021. If it is no longer the best plan for someone’s medications, this is the time to make a switch to a Part D plan that will suit them better.

Bayfield County residents are encouraged to start preparing early this year. County specialists will not be helping people in face to face appointments, so extra time for phone calls and mail will need to be allowed. Please go to www.medicare.gov to compare plans online or for local assistance call the Elder Benefits Specialist in Bayfield County, Marianne Johnson, at 1-866-663-3607. Copies of the open enrollment screening form are available here, at  the Town of Bell Community Center, and on the Forms and Documents portion of the Town website.

Assistance is also available through the following resources:
1-800-MEDICARE or www.medicare.gov
Medigap helpline 1-800-242-1060
• Disability Drug Helpline 1-800-926-4862 (if under age 60)
• Wisconsin Medigap Prescription Drug Helpline 1-855-677-2783

Or contact:
Marianne Johnson
Elder Benefits Specialist
Bayfield County Department of Human Services
117 E. 5th St. PO Box 100
Washburn, WI 54891
715-373-6144 x 83355, FAX 715-373-6128
mjohnson@bayfieldcounty.org