Coverage for Prescription Drugs
Under Medicare - Open Enrollment
is Nov. 15 to Dec. 31
In 2006 Medicare added a prescription drug benefit called Medicare Part D. Medicare contracts with private companies to offer prescription drug plans. You can enroll in a plan that offers only drug coverage or you can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan which includes drug coverage, along with other health coverage.
There are many plans to choose from. Generally you must stay in the plan you choose for a calendar year (there are some exceptions). Every year from November 15-December 31 there is an annual election period when you can change plans, drop coverage or add coverage. The plans can change premiums, co-payments and formularies (list of drugs they cover) every year so reviewing plans during the election period is important. The best way to compare plans is to use the Medicare website. SHIIP counselors can also help you compare plans.
For more information about Medicare’s Prescription Drug Benefit see the resources provided on the SHIIP Website or call SHIIP at 1-800-351-4664. You can also compare drug plans sold in your area using the Medicare Website, www.medicare.gov.
To read the AARP article "Quick Route Through the Medicare Drug Plan Finder 2010" click here.
Governor Culver Proclaims November
Family Caregiver Month
There are 310,000 Family Care Givers in Iowa
Iowa Family Care Givers Give Approximately 319 Million Hours of Care Annually
Click here to read the Press Release.
Click here to read the Proclamation.
Iowa Department on Aging
Reminds Older Iowans That
Energy & Weatherization Assistance
May be Available toThem
(Des Moines, IA) Today Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) Director John McCalley reminded older Iowans that, with winter weather fast approaching, energy assistance and weatherization help may be available to them through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and Weatherization Assistance (WAP) programs. Click here to read the entire press release.
Service Needs of Older Iowans:
A 2008 Survey of Older Iowans in 16 Planning Service Areas
The IDA commissioned the Center for Social and Behavioral Research (CSBR) at the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) to conduct a needs assessment among adult Iowans age 60 and older. The purpose of this project was to provide information about each of the IDA’s 16 Planning Service Areas (PSAs) regarding the use of various services within the past 12 months, current service needs, and future needs of Iowans age 60 and older living in private residences.
Final Report
State Profile Tool
The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) awarded the Iowa Department on Aging a grant to look at how Iowans of all ages use publically funded long-term services and supports. The purpose of the project, called the State Profile Tool, was to collect data from different state agencies to assist in planning and policy making for long-term services and supports. Click below to view the Final Report.
Final Report
Iowa Department on Aging (IDA)
We are pleased that the Governor has signed SF 204, which updates various programs and changes the Department’s name. Effective July 1, 2009, we will be known as the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA).
The Mission of the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) is to provide advocacy, educational, and prevention services to help Iowans remain independent as they age. IDA provides over $30 million in services through a network of 13 Area Agencies on Aging across the state.
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