Local News
Agency can help with Part D decision
If you’re 65-years-old or older, you might want to know whether your current prescription drug plan under Medicare Part D covers your individual needs.
The best way to find out is to compare current coverage with other drug plans, according to Leona Perry, director of the Oklahoma Economic Development Authority Area Agency on Aging (OEDA AAA) office in Beaver.
Medicare Part D is a federal program that subsidizes the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries, Perry said. Under Medicare Part D, several insurance plans are offered.
Each year, the insurance plans change their premiums and which medications they cover, Perry said.
By making comparisons, people will know whether to change to a different insurance plan during open enrollment, which begins Nov. 15 and concludes Dec. 31, she said.
“This has been hard for people to understand, and they don’t know they have the chance to compare their plan with another (one) and pick the one that’s cheaper,” Perry said.
For people who would like help making a decision on a a change, assistants from the OEDA Area Agency on Aging office in Beaver will visit Woodward County to provide guidance at a future date which has not been set yet.
In making comparisons, one of the main things people will notice this year is an increase in their premiums, Perry said.
Kim Pierce, OEDA AAA information and assistance coordinator, said the average monthly premium that beneficiaries will pay in 2010 is about $30, which represents a $2 increase from 2009.
Because some people can’t afford Part D premiums and costs due to limited incomes, the government can offer them assistance through a Limited Income Subsidy (LIS), Pierce said.
LIS is available to people with incomes 150 percent below the federal poverty level and who have limited resources, Pierce said.
People can apply for LIS anytime, she said.
For more information, Perry or Pierce may be reached at (580) 625-4531 or at (800) 658-2844. The address of the office in Beaver is 330 Douglas.
- Local News
-
-
Oklahoma road conditions
Statewide travel conditions.
-
Emergency managers work before, during, after disasters
Emergency Management Week is coming up
-
Senior Center to host Spring Bazaar
The Woodward Senior Center will hold its annual Spring Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 27.
-
It takes 5 to Tango
The Woodward Arts and Theatre Council are offering Woodward area students and citizens the opportunity to experience a unique performance of world music by a group known as Tin Roof Tango.
-
Tourism committee talks money at monthly meeting
Discussion at Thursday’s monthly meeting for the Woodward Tourism and Convention Committee primarily focused on financial concerns.
-
OSU Extension seminar to focus on forage management
A Northwest Area OSU Extension forage meeting and dinner will be held at 6:30 p.m. March 30 at the Woodward High Plains Technology Center.
-
Sister group headlines benefit concert
On Saturday, March 27, Christian music fans will be able to hear million album-selling band Barlow Girl perform at the Woodward High School Auditorium with guests Stellar Kart and VOTA.
-
It's time to plant cool season vegetables
Now that mid-March has arrived, it’s time for gardeners to start planting their cool season vegetables.
-
Outdoor Expo opens Friday
The Northwest Oklahoma Outdoor Expo kicks off Friday.
-
IRS warns of tax scams
As the April 15 deadline approaches for filing tax returns, the IRS wants people to be on the alert for tax scams.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Oklahoma road conditions
