<p>LifeStream helping with “Medicare D Sign-Ups” It’s time to re-enroll for Medicare Part D </p><p>YORKTOWN – It’s time to re-enroll or do your first sign up for Medicare Part D, the federal government’s prescription drug component for those on Medicare and Medicaid. There are additional providers and other changes this year.</p><p>That’s why LifeStream Services, the local non-profit that helps seniors and disabled individuals, is helping with signups now through Dec. 7, which is this year’s deadline. </p><p>Trained SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) counselors are available to help Medicare D participants in their decisions about which program would be best. SHIP counselors provide the service at no cost and do not represent any insurance company or do any selling. Counselors help individuals find out the top three plans based on their individual prescription history. The client then makes the final decision about what plan is best.</p><p>All sign-ups are on an appointment-basis and will be held 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Mondays. Appointments can be made by calling LifeStream at (800) 589-1121. Call early because appointments are already beginning to fill up.</p><p>A special on-site signup is also scheduled by LifeStream for Nov. 13 in Hartford City at the Hearts With Integrity office. Appointments are available 9 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. on that day in Hartford City. Just call LifeStream for more information.</p><p>During the sessions, individuals can sign up for their Medicare Part D program or learn more about options from SHIP counselors who are all LifeStream care managers. SHIP is a non-profit statewide program that is part of a federal network. The SHIP program is designed to provide an unbiased place for seniors and pre-retirees to find answers to their health insurance questions. There is no cost for SHIP services. </p><p>LifeStream’s SHIP counselors ask that individuals be sure and bring along a list of their medications and their Medicare cards when they attend one of the individualized sessions. In addition, individuals who might qualify for Extra Help assistance through Social Security should plan to bring along financial information. </p><p>Indiana also has the HoosierRX program which can help some seniors 65 and older with up to $70 a month to help pay for the Medicare Part D plan. Details on how to apply and eligibility can be discussed with SHIP counselors during the appointment. Or, call (866) 267-4679 for details. Enrollment for Medicare Part D began Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7 this year. This is the time for those who want to change plans to do so. </p><p>There are about 1 million Indiana Medicare recipients in Indiana. Many are covered by retirement plans that have prescription drug coverage that is at least as good as the Medicare Part D program. Those individuals have to certify that their programs meet or exceed the Medicare D program in order to opt out of the program without incurring any penalties.</p><p>For details about the program, call (765) 759-1121 or (800) 589-1121. Information can also be accessed by calling 2-1-1, which is the LifeStream 2-1-1 phone number. LifeStream 2-1-1 provides information and referrals about a number of health and human service needs.</p><p>In addition, LifeStream’s SHIP counselors remind seniors to beware of potential scams from those who might misrepresent the program. Seniors should never give their Social Security number to anyone over the phone.</p><p>The state’s attorney general’s office also encourages individuals to be aware of fraud in regard to Medicare Part D.</p><p>“Don’t take someone’s word for granted if they claim to represent a ‘Medicare Approved’ company; always double check to ensure the company is legitimate,” according to the Indiana Attorney General’s Office. To protect themselves from fraud and potential identity theft, Medicare beneficiaries should familiarize themselves with certain guidelines and rules. Government-approved prescription drug coverage plans will have a “Medicare Approved” seal on their materials. People who are legitimately working with Medicare cannot make door-to-door sales calls, or send unsolicited emails; however, they can call people about a plan as long as they follow the state’s Do Not Call law. Medicare recipients should not give out personal information (such as Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers, and credit card numbers) to plan representatives, because plans are not allowed to request such personal information in their marketing activities. A Medicare provider is also prohibited from enrolling consumers into a drug coverage plan or from asking consumers to pay for a drug plan over the phone unless the consumer is adding prescription drug coverage to a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health plan already in place. Medicare providers won’t ask for payment over the Internet; rather, they are required to send a bill if a consumer enrolls online.</p><p>Seniors comfortable with using the internet can compare plans and learn more at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. LifeStream is an award-winning, accredited non-profit agency that works to provide people with independent living options. The agency’s headquarters are in Yorktown; satellite offices are in New Castle, Winchester, Portland, Marion and Anderson. Services include in-home care, transportation, Senior Cafés, home delivered meals, guardianships, caregiver support, volunteer opportunities, housing and more. For more information, visit the agency’s web site at www.lifestreaminc.org.</p>