Dear Friends,

I would like to share some important information regarding Medicare with you and with any seniors that you know.

Like last year, the 2012 open-enrollment period for Medicare started and will end a little earlier than it has in prior years: October 15th through December 7th. This is the only time during the year, except in unique circumstances, whencurrent Medicare enrollees are able to make changes to their existing coverage.

Changes Medicare members may consider making during this period include:

• Changing to or from a Medicare Advantage Plan, or selecting another Medicare plan that better meets your needs; and
• Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan, or switching from one prescription drug plan to another.

For assistance in weighing insurance options, seniors, family members, and caregivers are welcome to contact Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or visiting Medicare’s website www.medicare.gov. At this online portal you will find enrollment instructions, detailed explanations of the various Medicare coverage plans, resources to learn about the health providers in your area that collaborate with Medicare, and the various medical treatments andservices covered by Medicare plans.

If you are having problems contacting Medicare or are experiencing difficulties working with Medicare on your current coverage, please contact James in my Clemmons, North Carolina office at 1-866-677-8968. We’re happy to help. And as always, you can keep up with the latest news and track the work I’m doing on your behalf to hold government accountable and get Americans back to work by visiting my website www.foxx.house.gov.

As this information is time sensitive, please consider sharing it with the senior citizens you know.

Sincerely,

Representative Virginia Foxx