The open enrollment period for Medicare D is November 15 to December 31, 2008. Medicare D is the federally subsidized program covering medication for Medicare-eligible seniors. Medicare D plans are offered by private insurance companies who meet a set of standards set by Medicare. Medicare supplements the insurance company’s costs to allow them to offer lower prices for premiums and medication costs. Seniors enrolled in a Medicare D plan are encouraged to review the plan’s coverage every year. Medicare D plans can change the cost of monthly premiums

and the medications that are covered.

“Seniors who do not wish to change plans do not have to do anything – coverage will automatically continue,” said Christa Pretzl, CSW, MA, CMC, a professional care manager with Cedar Community’s Cedar Care Pathfinders. Cedar Care Pathfinders is a new professional geriatric care management service offered by Cedar Community Supportive Care. The best way to determine which plan is best is to visit Medicare’s website: www.medicare.gov. Seniors should have their Medicare card and a list of medications ready when they log in. The site will compare plan costs and medication coverage, allowing seniors to make the best decision for their specific situation. Assistance in using the website is available through most county aging services departments.

Christa Pretzl will also be presenting “The Basics of Medicare D: Prescription Drug Coverage for Medicare-Eligible Seniors” on Monday, Nov. 10 at 3 p.m. at The Gables in Germantown, Himmel House, Community Room,

N109W17075 Ava Circle, Germantown. The Gables in Germantown is a retirement community with independent homes and apartments and an assisted living.

To learn more about Cedar Community’s Pathfinders’ care management benefits and rates, call Pretzl at 262.306.2691. Cedar Community is a not-for-profit, church-affiliated leader in creating relationships, services and environments to enhance the well-being of seniors and their families. Its facilities are located on five campuses in Washington and Sheboygan counties. Cedar Community is proud to provide a continuum of care including independent and assisted living, skilled nursing care, rehabilitation, hospice, memory loss services, subacute and home care. For more information visit their website at www.cedarcommunity.org.