Medicare beneficiaries and persons newly eligible for Medicare are advised that open enrollment for Medicare Part D begins on October 15, 2011.  Beneficiaries can  join, change or drop their prescription drug plan during the open enrollment period which ends on December 7th.

Individuals who are satisfied with their current plan do not have to re-enroll.   Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to review their current prescription drug plan to determine if it adequately meets their needs in terms of cost, coverage and convenience. Those not taking advantage of this year’s open enrollment will have to wait until next year to make any changes to their coverage. 

To learn more about the available plans or to obtain assistance with joining or changing a plan, contact the VI SHIP/Medicare office in St. Thomas at 714-4354 or in St. Croix at 772-7368. Beneficiaries may also call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov for more information.  

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