The open enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans-the window during which beneficiaries can sign up for a plan or switch to a new one-ends on 12/31. Bill Pate, a counselor with the Health Insurance Counseling Assistance Program (HICAP) program, said some beneficiaries are calling in upset over the sharp increase in premiums for 2009-on average a 24 percent spike and, in one case, as high as 51 percent.

Login

Please note this login is to submit events or press releases. Use this page here to login for your Independent subscription

Not a member? Sign up here.