Joppel announced today the launch of its powerful Medicare-plan search tool for consumers. The Web-based application, available at Joppel.com, is a free tool designed to search Medicare Advantage, Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) health plans simultaneously from all insurance carriers to match consumers to the plan that fits their coverage needs. During the search process, consumers can invite up to four co-browsers for assistance.

Choosing a health care plan is considered one of the most important and difficult health-care decisions consumers make. At age 65, many retirees shift from employer-enrolled plans to self-enrolled Medicare plans. Turning 65 at a rate of 5,500 per day, these newcomers join a cohort of more than 40-million seniors shopping for the right insurance plan for the coming year.

Today, it is a crowded, confusing marketplace. Approved carriers offer thousands of Medicare plans, each consumer is eligible for dozens of plans, and for many consumers, plans must be selected in a compressed six-week time frame to avoid penalties.

“Joppel is the first of its kind,” said Joppel CEO Kathy Feeny. “It’s a tool for consumers and caregivers that breaks down barriers to understanding Medicare plans and their costs. It narrows the field from hundreds to a handful of plans. At Joppel, consumers can compare plans from any carrier, talk to each other during the process, and confidently select the right combination of coverage and costs.” Feeny is a former senior leader from SecureHorizons, the largest Medicare provider in the United States.

Consumers are in the process of selecting Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans for 2009 now. The enrollment period for 2009 plans is November 15 through December 31, 2008.

“Seniors shouldn’t have to worry about health care coverage. Joppel makes it easy for seniors and their advocates by leading them through a series of questions that matches them to the right plan every time,” said Feeny.