Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Oklahoma City – Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner John D. Doak is reminding consumers the Medicare open enrollment window is closing fast and the Oklahoma Insurance Department can help seniors make the right last-minute decisions.
OID’s Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program (SHIP) has counselors trained to provide assistance to Oklahomans who have questions about Medicare prescription drug plans and other coverage. SHIP counseling is provided free of charge to Medicare beneficiaries either in person by appointment or by calling (800) 763-2828. The SHIP department also can be reached online at ship.oid.ok.gov.
The open enrollment period ends Dec. 7.
“Our SHIP counselors have already provided assistance to more than 2,000 Oklahomans since open enrollment began on Oct. 15, but we know there must be more seniors who need help,” Doak said. “I urge seniors who haven’t already made their Medicare coverage elections for the coming year to contact our SHIP counselors. They are the most qualified advisors a senior can have when making Medicare coverage choices.”
Doak said Oklahomans who consult with SHIP counselors could save hundreds of dollars next year by making sure they’re on the right Part D prescription drug plan for their needs.
Success stories:
“Savings like these show why it’s vital that seniors review their drug coverage elections each year – having the wrong plan could be costing them dearly,” Doak said. “One free phone call to a SHIP counselor might save a Medicare recipient thousands of dollars per year, and that’s money seniors will appreciate having back in their monthly budgets.”
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About the Oklahoma Insurance Department
The Oklahoma Insurance Department, an agency of the State of Oklahoma, is responsible for the education and protection of the insurance-buying public and for oversight of the insurance industry in the state.
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