Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance reminds Missourians of upcoming Medicar…

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - The Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance (DCI) encourages those eligible for Medicare to review their plan options and costs during this year's open enrollment period. From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, Missourians can change their Part D drug coverage or Medicare Advantage plans.

To help with that choice, the department offers free assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals and their caregivers through Missouri's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Missouri SHIP also helps Missourians on a limited income determine whether they qualify for a low-income subsidy or Medicare Savings Programs to offset the cost of their prescription drugs.

"We encourage Missourians to take advantage of Missouri SHIP's assistance during Medicare open enrollment," DCI Director Angela Nelson said. "Plans can change from year to year, so it's important to make sure your plan is still right for you. Missouri SHIP's trained counselors can help you review any changes and ensure you're getting the services you need."

Medicare open enrollment is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 annually. Missourians can seek unbiased assistance from Missouri SHIP at no cost throughout the year by phone or arrange one-on-one counseling by calling 1-800-390-3330 or visiting missouriship.org .

"Missouri SHIP counselors are eager to help Missourians explore all options to save money on Part D and Medicare Advantage plans for the coming year," Executive Director Scott Miniea said. "In a recent open enrollment period, the average savings per consumer was $2,000, with 98.5% of clients saying they would seek our assistance every year in addition to referring their friends and family. We are here to help find the best plan option for your specific needs with no sales pressure."

Remember that fraudsters often use the Medicare open enrollment period to target seniors and other vulnerable individuals through deceptive sales tactics, such as commercials, online ads, or even personal phone calls. These scams occur year-round, but they are especially common when individuals are actively reviewing their coverage options.

One of the best ways to protect yourself against health care fraud and abuse is by never sharing personal information with strangers, especially your Medicare or Social Security numbers.

Missouri SHIP is funded through a grant from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). Funding is administered through DCI, and service is provided by Missouri Connections for Health, a nonprofit organization.

DCI is charged with protecting Missouri consumers through oversight of the insurance industry, banks, credit unions, utilities and various professional licensees operating in the state. For more information about the department, please visit our website at dci.mo.gov .