Ohioans find savings in medicare

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - The Department's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program has assisted approximately 12,496 Ohioans with Medicare questions during the current annual coverage selection period, said Ohio Lieutenant Governor and Department of Insurance Director Mary Taylor.

During the open enrollment which began October 15, Taylor said the information program has passed on a record $1,266,120 million in savings to Ohioans on Medicare.

Taylor said two of the main reasons for the savings are because OSHIIP representatives are assisting consumers with prescription drug and Medicare Advantage coverage comparisons. The covered drugs and pharmacies in a plan's network, premiums, deductibles and co-payments can change from one year to the next. While not everyone needs to make a change, contacting OSHIIP is still a good idea for running a comparison.

Open enrollment concludes on December 7 at midnight.

Those with Medicare questions and in need enrollment assistance, including financial assistance, can call OSHIIP Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week. Information is also available at www.medicare.gov