The Shawnee Dispatch / Part D premiums rise for some seniors

Archive for Tuesday, December 16, 2008

December 16, 2008

Some Kansas seniors may see a significant increase in their premiums under some, but not all, Medicare Part D plans in 2009. Johnson County is among 15 counties reported to have a high percentage of beneficiaries enrolled in plans that will experience large premium increases.

Kathy Greenlee, Secretary of the Kansas Department on Aging, recently released a statement urging Kansans to carefully review their coverage and premiums to see if they are affected. Seniors have until Dec. 31 to enroll in a new plan, if they choose.

The cost of some plans has risen as much as 84 percent. Unless seniors act before Jan. 1, they will automatically stay enrolled in their current plan for 2009.

Seniors can do a search of the various plans through the Medicare Web site, www.medicare.gov. They also can get free, unbiased help from volunteer counselors with the Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) program by calling 1-800-860-5260.

Point of View

Do you think the state should do more to help businesses near K-7 and Johnson Drive as an interchange is constructed?

Given the time the state has had to prepare, I don’t think completing the access road before starting/ closing Johnson Drive is an unreasonable request from these businesses or those of us who patronize them.

— Tiffany Bohm

More responses