Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Take Richard and Kathryn Westmoreland. They are spry 90-somethings who keep immaculate records of their finances, but have never surfed the internet. They are among thousands of seniors here in Utah trying to make sense of medicare's new offerings.
"What medications do you take?"
Joan Kasteler is sitting down with her parents to talk prescription drug plans.
Joan Kasteler: "I knew it wasn't going to be easy for them because they don't have the internet."
Right now, the couple spends approximately 17-hundred dollars a year on prescription co-pays. Under the new medicare part D prescription drug plan, they stand to save hundreds. That is, if they can determine which of the 44 plans best suits them.
Joan Kasteler: "Dad knows the numbers upside-down and backwards. And Mom is very organized and I knew she knew where hers were or how to find them."
Here's the information required for enrollment: name, social security number, medicare number and a list of current medications. Depending on income, some recipients may qualify for the Extra Help Financial program, and will be asked to provide annual household income. Once that information is gathered...
"I go put in medicare.gov."
The computer calculates estimated savings, producing a list of recommended plans, based on individual prescription needs.
Monthly premiums range between six and sixty dollars. Beware, some plans do have a deductible.
Richard Westmoreland: "I'm always grateful to have someone who understands everything because I don't want to make a mistake."
Peter Hebertson, with Salt Lake County Aging Services, says the Westmorelands are among the lucky ones.
Peter Hebertson/Salt Lake County Aging Services: "We have over 3-thousand names of seniors who have nobody to help them on the internet."
Obviously, fraud is a big concern with something like this. So be cautious when giving out your information. Only enter your information on the government website. There are look-a-like websites out there. You have time-- enrollment runs today through May 15th of next year. Here's a phone number to the Salt Lake County Aging Services to help you navigate the internet: 801-468-2480.
