Projo Biz Blog

The annual open enrollment period starts tomorrow, and runs through Dec. 31, for beneficiaries of the federal Medicare health insurance program who want to sign up for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

About 176,000 Rhode Islanders take part in Medicare. Some may receive prescription drug coverage through an employer-sponsored plan or through the military or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, for example.

But many other beneficiaries may obtain help paying for prescription drugs through a private insurance plan offered under the Medicare banner, said Larry Grimaldi, chief of information and public relations for the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs.

Overall, there are 47 stand-alone prescription drug plans available to Rhode Island Medicare beneficiaries for next year, and 11 Medicare Advantage plans, according to the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

To get help picking a plan that's right for you, contact The Point, the state-run resource for seniors and adults with disabilities. The Point can also be reached by phone at (401) 462-4444.

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