ROCK ISLAND, Ill. — In the fall of 2023, counselors with Project NOW's Senior Center in Rock Island helped 44 clients save a total of $357,685 during Medicare Open Enrollment. It's the second-highest year of savings in the program's history.
SHIP-certified counselors help clients compare coverage options to try and save money on premiums and drug costs.
“We look for the best option and the best outcome for all our Medicare Beneficiaries we serve. People should not have to worry about drug costs and whether they can meet their other needs with their budget. Our goal is to save as much money as we can for everyone we serve," Michelle Dyer, Project NOW's Senior Services Director, said
Dyer says one local woman saved nearly $180,000 on a single drug simply by comparing programs. In 2022, counselors saved $398,000 for those who sought help.
Medicare Open Enrollment takes place each fall. In 2023, it ran from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
Project NOW's program is part of a larger effort with the Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging. A region of ten counties, including Rock Island County, was able to see a total of nearly $2.5 million in savings for local seniors through comparing premiums and drug prices. Visiting centers like Project NOW led to savings for 1,311 senior clients throughout the region.
Dyer joined The Current on News 8 to discuss the success of the program, how soon one should start thinking about Medicare Open Enrollment and how you and your loved ones can get involved with the Project NOW efforts. You can watch her full interview in the above video.
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