What's New in 2023? 💜

It Pays to Compare Medicare Plans for 2023

Submitted by Ron Glondys, SHINE Counselor in Sarasota County

The Beneficiary, "Kate", has been a SHINE client with me since 2017, and I had not heard from her regarding a review for a 2023 Part D plan. I contacted her and she said that she was satisfied with using the same plan for 2023. I suggested that she allow me to perform a Part D plan comparison anyway to determine if any savings were possible.

The result of the comparison was that six different plans (out of 24 available plans) now included her most expensive medication in their formulary at a price of $214 per month compared to the $961 she had paid in 2022.

When I informed "Kate" of the pricing, she replied "that must be a misprint". I asked if there had been any change with the medication and "Kate" said that medication category did change from "emergency use only" to "Full FDA Approval". That meant that Part D plans were now permitted to include the medication in their formulary. The result will be that this beneficiary will save $8,964 for current medications during 2023.

JANUARY 2023 SHINE Medicare Webinar Schedule

SHINE will be hosting virtual classes for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare.

VIEW SCHEDULE

To request SHINE counseling, call the Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337 or visit www.floridashine.org to submit a contact request.

Don’t Miss Important Medicare Enrollment Periods

Did you know that from January 1 through March 31, two enrollment periods occur at the same time?

Medicare Part B General Enrollment Period is an opportunity for someone to enroll in Part B (Medical insurance) if they missed their initial or Special Enrollment Periods.

To learn more, join SHINE on Thursday, January 19 as we talk in-depth about the importance of Medicare enrollment periods.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA-OEP) is a single opportunity for someone currently enrolled in an advantage plan, that is not meeting their needs, to switch back to Original Medicare or another advantage plan.

To learn more, join SHINE on Tuesday, January 31 as we talk in-depth about Part C as well as the option to switch to a new plan by March 31.

Medicare Minute

Your Medicare coverage and costs can change each year, so it is important to understand and review your benefits. Click here for an overview of what’s new in 2023.

If you have questions about changes in costs or coverage for your Medicare in 2023, your local SHIP can help you understand the new SEPs and explain programs that can help you with your Medicare costs.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is your local SHIP program. To request Medicare counseling, call the Elder Helpline at 866-413-5337.

Upcoming Workshops Scheduled

The Area Agency on Aging’s health and wellness programs are designed to help older adults (60+) through education and activity. AAASWFL also provides support programs for caregivers.

All of our Health and Wellness offerings are evidence-based, which means they have been scientifically tested and shown to produce verifiable results for people that have completed the workshops. Class sizes are limited and registration is required. Call us to reserve your spot today!

Lee County
- Tai Chi for Arthritis - January 9 - March 8, Mondays and Wednesdays 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (Bonita Springs)
- Tai Chi for Arthritis - February 7 - April 6, Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 a.m. - 9:45 a.m. at Lake Kennedy Senior Center (Cape Coral)
- Tai Chi for Arthritis - February 7 - April 13, Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. (Fort Myers)
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program - Begins in February, call for more information
Virtual
- Savvy Caregiver - January 19 - February 23, Thursdays 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Online on Zoom)
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers - January 24 - February 28, Tuesdays 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (Online on Zoom)
Charlotte County
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program - Ends January 24, Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. (Port Charlotte)
DeSoto County
- Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program - Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9:30 a.m. -10:30 a.m. (Senior Friendship Center, Arcadia)

Call to register: (239) 652-6914

Know the Signs of Elder Abuse

Call to schedule a Presentation or Professional Training!

Elder Helpline:
866-413-5337