2012 Medicare Part D Plans Announced - Enrollment begins early - October 15, 2011

 On September 15, 2011, CMS announced the Part D and Medicare Advantage plans for 2012.  

CMS announced them earlier than usual because the ANNUAL OPEN ENROLLMENT PERIOD for 2012 is earlier this year .

it will start October 15, 2011 and continue through December 7, 2011.  In the past, the enrollment period was from Nov. 15 - Dec. 31st for the following year.   If you don't enroll in or change Part D plans by December 7th,  you may not be able to change plans or enroll in Part D for the first time until 2013 -- unless you are eligible for a "Special Enrollment Period" (SEP).

Read about the plans in NYS and download a list of the plans in NYS in this article

Selecting the best drug plan for 2012 is even more important for EPIC members -- since EPIC coverage is being cut back significantly in 2012.   In addition to the usual factors -- finding the plan that covers as many of your prescriptions as possible without "utilization controls" such as quantity limits, EPIC members may:  



16 Sep, 2011
2012 Medicare Part D Plans Announced - Enrollment begins early - October 15, 2011
http://health.wnylc.com/health/news/26/