(NAPSA)—There’s good news for anyone covered by Medicare. The open enrollment period has been extended this year, provid- ing a longer time in which to review options and choose the best coverage. The period in which those with Medicare can add, drop or change prescription drug and health care plans for 2012 runs through December7. “We want to makecertain that people with Medicare use this once- a-year opportunity to find the plan that best fits their needs,” said An extended open enrollment period provides a longer time in which to review options and choosethe best coverage. AARP Vice President Nicole Duritz. People with Medicare can use the Medicare Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan to the choices available to consumers during open enrollment and questions to consider when choosing a health plans that will be available the health insurance benefits and to consider four essential items when considering options during you don’t have to make any changes if you don’t need or wantto,” Duritz added. “But this is the time to evaluate your options and pick the plan that works for you. Making a smart decision now can help you get the research prescription drug and in 2012. After reviewing available plans, AARP encourages its members and everyone with Medicare open enrollment: 1. Costs, including the monthly premium, the annual deductible and cost sharing; 2. Coverage for the doctors and pharmacies included in the plan and the prescription drugs and other services you need; 3.Convenience to you as the policyholder; and 4,Customer service. Check out quality ratings, which are pro- vided for most Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. These rat- ings are based on the quality of care and the customer service each plan provides. AARPhas a website dedicated to helping people get the informa- tion they need to make the best decisions during open enrollment. The website, www.aarp.org/open enrollment, includes guidance on Medicare plan. “You can make changes to get drug coverage that fit you best. Or care you needin 2012.” For othertools to help navigate open enrollment, including Span- ish language resources, visit www.aarp.org/openenrollment. Other online resources include: The AARP Drug Savings Tool (available at drugsavings.aarp. org) allows users to select the drug they want to compare from Consumer Reports Health’s data- base of about 500 drugsin 26 drug classes. The AARP Doughnut Hole Calculator, available at www. aarp.org/doughnuthole, guidesvisi- tors through their prescription drug options using localized infor- mation about their plans and pre- scriptions to determine if or when they will fall into the coverage gap.
