HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt and Lieutenant Governor Gary Herbert urged seniors to review and compare their current Medicare plans to ensure they have the best coverage. The annual open enrollment period, which kicked off on November 15 and runs through December 31, gives beneficiaries the opportunity to enroll in or make changes to their existing coverage.

“Medicare beneficiaries are encouraged to shop around to find a prescription drug plan that best meets their needs,” Secretary Leavitt said. “Tools and resources are available to help people with Medicare navigate through the open enrollment period to find the best plan for 2009.”

HHS’ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting events around the country to help people with Medicare make the most of their health and prescription drug benefits. Taking advantage of the open enrollment period is more important than ever before. Millions of people with Medicare across the country will see significant changes in their drug plan premiums and coverage. Beneficiaries are encouraged to act quickly so they can make sure they are enrolled in the plan that best suits their needs at the most affordable price for the 2009 benefit year.

“The holiday season is always a busy time of the year, and people have many things on their mind,” said Utah Lt. Governor Herbert. “But as seniors are making their holiday shopping lists, I would encourage them to do a little shopping for themselves and find a Medicare plan that gives them the best possible coverage.”

For in state counseling assistance, please contact the Health Insurance Information Programs (HIIP) toll-free weekdays at 1-888-575-6611.

Thanks in large part to Medicare Part D, 90 percent of Medicare beneficiaries now have prescription drug coverage. In Utah, 81 percent of seniors have coverage. There are 51 prescription drug plans to choose from in the state, with 26 plans offering enhanced benefits or services, 27 having $0 deductibles and one charging a premium under $25.

The engine behind Part D is choice and competition. While beneficiaries may see changes in their current plan, about 97 percent of those in a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) will have access to Medicare drug and health plans in 2009 with premiums that are the same or less than what they paid for coverage in 2008.