Need help sorting through the choices for Medicare's optional prescription drug and managed-care plans in 2011?
There are several places to turn.
Make sure you have your Medicare ID number, a complete list of current prescription medicines and their doses when seeking help.
Personalized advice
The Medicare program provides personalized help at 800-633-4227.
Anyone with computer access can do the research on his or her own (or get a computer-savvy loved one to do it) by visiting the Medicare Web site at http://www.medicare.gov.
To begin a personalized search to find the plan that's estimated to be the cheapest, first click on ''Health & Drug Plans.'' Then select ''Compare Drug and Health Plans'' and enter the requested information.
Events to review plans
The Greater Akron/Canton Area Agency on Aging is hosting several events to help Medicare participants review their options for 2011. All events listed begin at 9:30 a.m.:
• Thursday, Akron General Health & Wellness Center-West, 4125 Medina Road, Bath Township.
• Nov. 8, Hartville Kitchen, 1015 Edison St. NW.
• Nov. 9, Portage County Senior Center, 705 Oakwood St., No. 203, Ravenna.
Francine Chuchanis, the agency's ombudsman supervisor, will discuss tips for selecting coverage, changes to Medicare in
2011 and the effects of health-care reform.
The cost is $5, which includes breakfast and lunch. Reservations are required by Monday. Call 330-899-5255.
The agency also provides help from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday to people who call 877-770-5558 and ask for the Aging Resource Center.
The agency can provide detailed graphics that compare the Medicare managed-care plans available in Summit, Stark, Portage and Wayne counties.
State offers help
The Ohio Department of Insurance's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program is offering free help during Medicare Check-Up Days in every county statewide.
Remaining events in the Akron area include:
• Presentation at 10 a.m. Nov. 4, Dunlap Community Hospital, 832 S. Main St., Orrville.
• Presentation at 10 a.m. Nov. 17, Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road. Counseling is available from noon to 4 p.m. by calling 330-425-4268, ext. 2, for an appointment.
• Comparisons available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 12, Wadsworth Center for Older Adults, 138 High St.
• Presentation at 10 a.m. Dec. 2, Mercy Medical Center, 1320 Mercy Drive NW, Canton.
In addition, the state program provides personalized help from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 800-686-1578.
Free or reduced prices
People with limited income can qualify for drug coverage for free or with reduced monthly premiums and lower out-of-pocket costs.
To qualify, combined savings, investments and real estate must be worth less than $25,010 for Medicare enrollees who are married and living with their spouse or $12,510 for those who are unmarried or not living with their spouse. (The eligibility requirements don't include the value of the home where people live, their personal possessions, burial plots or irrevocable burial contracts.)
For information, contact the Social Security Administration at 800-772-1213 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday or online anytime at https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html.
Beware of scams
Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray warned in a news release that ''scam artists will attempt to use the new health-care reform law to confuse seniors who are not familiar with the system. So far this year, my office has received more than 60 reports of Medicare-related scams, and we expect the number to climb as the enrollment period approaches.''
Complaints filed with Cordray's office describe unsolicited callers requesting personal information, such as Social Security numbers and checking account information, as well as Medicare ID numbers, which sometimes mirror the policyholder's Social Security number.
Cordray warns that scammers will also use high-pressure sales tactics and claim that seniors must re-enroll in Medicare to claim their benefits. Some might make a sales pitch that offers special, limited-time offers or phony add-on discount prescription-drug plans, he said.
To report a scam or file a consumer complaint with the Ohio Attorney General's Office, call 800-282-0515 or visit http://www.speakoutohio.gov.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or chpowell@thebeaconjournal.com.
