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Medical copays reduce health care access in MS prisons; Israel planted explosives in pagers sold to Hezbollah according to official sources; Serving looks with books: Libraries fight 'fast fashion' by lending clothes; Menhaden decline threatens Virginia's ecosystem, fisheries.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

Open Enrollment for Medicare Plans Begins Today

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Monday, October 15, 2012   

INDIANAPOLIS - In-person, by phone or on the Internet are options available to Hoosier seniors seeking help with their Medicare health and prescription drug plans during the 2012 open enrollment period, which begins today. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) director Cheryl Saint Clair says there are medical plans to choose from, and some are bundled with prescription drug plans. She says there are also stand-alone plans, and people who can explain them.

"We do have about 320 trained volunteers throughout the state, that can actually sit down face-to-face with someone who would like to learn more information about their particular situation."

The SHIP statewide number is 800-452-4800. You can also get help online at www.medicare.gov. You'll need to have your Medicare card handy and know what prescriptions you take. Open enrollment lasts through December 7.

Saint Clair says it's against the law for insurance agents to contact you about Medicare Advantage plans without your previous permission, so beware of fraud. And watch out for those claiming to be from the government.

"If you get a call or somebody at the door that says they're a representative of Medicare or Social Security - I would be very hesitant to believe them, or give them any personal information or banking information."

She says you can report suspected fraud to the Senior Medicare Patrol by calling 800-986-3505, so it can be investigated.

Tamra Simpson, project director for Indiana's Senior Medicare Patrol, says there's a comprehensive list of open enrollment events around the state.

"We have listed on the 'I4A' (IAAAA) website all of the different Medicare presentations that are going to be out there in the community, open enrollment events that some of the Area Agencies are having, some of the SHIP sites are having."

Simpson says to find the list, go to IAAAA.org and click on "events."


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