Rist proclaims open enrollment fair

An open enrollment fair for Medicare Prescription D Assistance has been proclaimed by Mayor Tom Rist from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31.

Rist made the proclamation to highlight the free volunteer programs at the Mountain Home Senior Center that assist senior citizens and disabled residents in making the right choices about their Medicare packages.

Terri Wade, the Senior Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) program coordinator for the Idaho Department of Insurance, says the job of the volunteers at the senior center is to educate beneficiaries as to what Medicare options they have, especially with regard to the various options available for prescription drugs.

Patsy Zaske, Suzanne Morgan, Ellen Coney and Evylen Maybon have all been trained to help citizens with questions about their Medicare prescription programs.

"These gals put in so many hours. They're just sparkling," Wade said. "We are so fortunate to have them here, along with Ruthada (Powell) who helps coordinate all these activities at the center."

The four women also are part of the Senior Medicare Patrol program.

Most of the concerns people have about their Medicare programs stem from a lack of knowledge, Wade said, noting that there are 51 prescription drug plans alone provided by private insurance regulated by Medicaire. Not all are available in every county.

"We try and do as close to a personal counseling session as possible," to help people find the best program to fit their medical and economic situation, Wade said.

The SHIBA volunteers and Idaho Department of Insurance also can help with billing issues and can serve as an advocate when disputes arise between the individual and the insurance companies.

"At least come in and check us out," Wade said.

Part D enrollment, which focuses on drug prescription programs, runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. Part B enrollment in the Medicare Advantage program is from Jan. 1 to March 31.

With costs continuing to rise for prescription drugs and other health care, as well as program changes that will occur next year, Wade encourages all citizens taking advantage of Medicare to contact the volunteers in order to update and evaluate their program options.

Call the senior center at 587-4562 to make a confidential appointment with one of the SHIBA volunteers.

Although appointments can be made at any time, a special session will be held Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.