MMAP services significantly reduce prescription drug costs
by Elizabeth Ann Morabito
In the complex world of Medicare, understanding and optimizing coverage can be a daunting task, particularly for seniors relying on expensive medications. For Norma Hoffman and Eileen Kaufman, navigating these intricacies became manageable thanks to the expertise of John Howland, a volunteer counselor with the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program.
It’s just a wonderful program. I definitely recommend MMAP.
Nancy Kaufman, daughter-in-law of MMAP client Elaine Kaufman
Norma’s Journey to Savings
Photo by Elizabeth
Morabito
Hoffman, a resident of Jewish Senior Life’s Coville Assisted Living facility in Oak Park, has been working with Howland since 2019. Hoffman’s situation took a challenging turn when her Medicare prescription drug program (PDP) no longer covered the pharmacy required by her assisted living facility as a “participating” pharmacy for 2024. This change threatened to increase her annual prescription drug costs to over $18,000.
“I don’t know anything about insurance. I’m lost,” admits Hoffman. When Howland discovered the potential increase in prescription costs, Hoffman turned to him for guidance. He presented her with the costs of various plan options and identified a better plan that included the required pharmacy. Armed with this information, Hoffman decided to switch to a different PDP, saving her nearly $17,000 in prescription drug costs for the year.
Hoffman has the utmost faith in Howland’s abilities: “If you don’t understand insurance and want to know more or try to find a better plan, he’s the guy,” she says. Her confidence in Howland’s abilities is well-deserved as he provides her with the necessary guidance to navigate her Medicare coverage every year.
Elaine’s Road to Relief
Another of Howland’s clients, Elaine Kaufman, is also a resident of a Jewish Senior Life facility—Fleischman Residence/Blumberg Plaza Assisted Living in West Bloomfield. She had not reviewed her Medicare prescription drug plans for many years and benefited from MMAP services for the first time in 2023.
Nancy Kaufman, Elaine’s daughter-in-law, works at another Jewish Senior life facility housed on the same campus as Fleischman and had heard about how pleased the residents were with Howland’s compassionate, comprehensive and cost-saving services. This prompted her to question whether her mother-in-law’s coverage was sufficient, especially given that she requires a variety of costly medications. “We didn’t know what to do or really what way to go,” admits Nancy.
Spurred by concern and confusion, Nancy and her husband, Steve Kaufman, met with Howland, who educated them on how to navigate the Medicare.gov online plan finder to identify the lowest cost plan for 2024. “It was easy once he showed us how,” Steve shares.
Howland helped them to understand how to compare and contrast each plan to find coverage that better suited Elaine’s needs. She was relieved to discover she could realize significant cost savings simply by switching plans. The annual premium costs alone are $2,000 lower. Add in the reduced prescription drug copays and the monthly savings becomes incredibly significant. And, the timing was perfect, as Nancy and Steve are starting to take over more of her care and finances.
The couple truly appreciate Howland’s services. Nancy expresses, “It’s not just that he helped us, but who he is. He is so knowledgeable and listened to what our goals were. It’s just everything about him.” Steve agrees, “John was fantastic…he was very thorough.”
The Broader Impact of MMAP
For seniors like Hoffman and Kaufman, having access to knowledgeable and dedicated professionals like Howland through MMAP has been life-changing. The significant savings on their prescription drug costs helps ensure they can focus on enjoying their lives without the constant worry of financial strain.
“It’s just a wonderful program,” Nancy shares, “I definitely recommend MMAP.” The right support can indeed make a world of difference.
To find a local certified MMAP counselor, explore their regional contact information listed by county.
