Program to introduce money-saving strategies during Medicare Part-D’s open enrollment period

BUFFALO, N.Y. – Medicare Part D enrollees can learn about strategies to help them save money on their prescription drug plans at a University at Buffalo event on Oct. 22 at 3 p.m. in 214 Parker Hall on the UB South Campus.

The presentation will highlight findings related to disparities in access and will discuss ways to maximize savings during the open enrollment period – which began last week and continues through Dec. 7.

“Medicare Part D: Using Research to Inform Practice and Policy” is the latest in a series of conversations on aging-related issues focusing on a strengths approach later in life.

The event is free, but guests are asked to register by contacting Laura Mangan at 716-645-5376 or CEPPrsvp@buffalo.edu.

Few Medicare Part D enrollees are in the most cost effective prescription drug plan, yet only 10 percent of beneficiaries change plans during the open enrollment period.

On average, beneficiaries can save 31 percent by switching plans according to Louanne Bakk, assistant professor and director of the Institute on Innovative Aging Policy and Practice at the UB School of Social Work, and an expert on program evaluation and social welfare policy for older adults.

Bakk is hosting the presentation with Tony Szczygiel, professor emeritus of law and former director of the Elder Law Clinic in the UB Law School.

“The actual savings in the end will vary depending on the individual,” says Bakk. “It’s going to be based on medication cost, the number of medications currently being taken, the copay average, premiums and deductibles.”

This is the second workshop in the 2015-16 series of conversations on aging-related issues and is sponsored by the UB Civic Engagement and Public Policy Research Initiative; UB Institute for Person-Centered Care; and UB School of Social Work’s Institute on Innovative Aging Policy and Practice.