Stay Informed!

Josephs: Medicare Part D open enrollment ends Dec. 31

PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 13 -- State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., wants to remind area senior citizens that the deadline to make changes for one's Medicare Part D prescription drug program is Dec. 31.

"The deadline is fast approaching, and you don't want to wait until the last minute to sign up or make changes," Josephs said. "If you miss the deadline, you'll have to wait another year before you can make changes to your Medicare drug program."

Josephs, who held several workshops recently on Medicare Part D for her constituents, said the open enrollment period is between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, and this is the chance for any senior or person on disability with Medicare to change plans. It doesn't matter why someone may be unsatisfied with his or her plan, she noted. The dissatisfaction could be because of the premium, amount of copayment or even because of certain drugs not being covered under the plan. Anyone can make changes before the end of the year.

"In addition to Medicare, the state's prescription drug programs, PACE and PACENET, also continue to be available to seniors 65 or older. There is no deadline for these programs, and they also can help senior citizens with the cost of their medication.

"If your social club, community, residents or faith-based organization would like an information session on Medicare Part D and PACE/PACENET or weatherization or identify fraud avoidance, please contact Jeanette at or call 215-893-1515. We are happy to serve you," Josephs said.

Or, for more information to better understand Medicare Part D, or to sign up for PACE or PACENET, call Josephs' office at 215-893-1515.