Help available during Medicare open enrollment

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Associated Press

Story Created: Fri Oct 19, 2012 5:48 AM

Story Updated: Fri Oct 19, 2012 5:49 AM

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - People with Medicare coverage can shop for a new prescription drug insurance plan through Dec. 7 and there's free counseling available to help.
   
Illinois Department of Insurance officials are reminding Medicare beneficiaries that open enrollment season started Monday, meaning they can change to a new drug plan without penalty for a limited time.
   
The department's Senior Health Insurance Program, or SHIP, provides free counseling for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.
   
The SHIP toll-free hotline takes calls weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 800-548-9034.
   
Also, people with Medicare can use the web-based Medicare Plan Finder to see star ratings and compare the quality of their health and drug plan options.
   
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Online:
   
http://www.medicare.gov/

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