Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

The annual open enrollment period to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan is from November 15 to December 31, 2006 for coverage to start January 1, 2007.

Now is the time to evaluate your current prescription drug plan – has it met your needs this year? If you or are not satisfied with your current plan or have not enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan yet, you have the opportunity to enroll in a plan. If you are satisfied with your plan, you do not have to do anything to re-enroll.

Do you have questions or need assistance to determine your options? Call the Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program at (800) 813-7174 to talk to a trained counselor.

- Who can join?
- I can't afford the premium and deductible costs.
- How much does it cost?
- When and how can I get more information?
- Other resources for information
- Information Sheets
- Additional web sites with Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage information

As part of the Medicare Modernization Act 2003, Medicare started to offer insurance coverage for prescription drugs trough Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDP). Insurance companies and other private companies will work with Medicare to offer these plans. Joining a plan is voluntary.

Who can join?
Anyone with Medicare Part A and/or Part B is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income level and resources, pre-existing conditions, or current prescription expenses. If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your plan may also offer drug coverage.

back to top

I can't afford the premium and deductible costs. Is there any help?
If you have a limited income and resources, you may have received an application to get extra help paying for a Medicare PDP costs. It is very important that you fill out this application and return it to Social Security (SSA). If you did not get an application in the mail and think you may qualify for this help, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213. You can also visit www.socialsecurity.gov on the web.

back to top

How much does it cost?
As with any insurance program, you have options. If you join, you will pay a monthly premium and a yearly deductible of $250 in 2006. You will also pay a part of the cost for your prescriptions, including a co-payment or coinsurance. Costs will vary depending on which drug plan you choose. Some plans may offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium. If you have limited income and resources, and qualify for extra help, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible.

back to top

When and how can I get more information?
Detailed information about the plans will be available in mid-October. You will receive a "Medicare & You 2007" handbook specifically for Michigan residents in the mail that will list the Medicare prescription drug plan available in your area. Please read it carefully. Discuss it with people you know and trust. While reading through material about this program, write down your questions as you go along. This will help you in getting the answers you need to make a decision.

back to top

Other resources for information include:

• Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) offers free personalized counseling. To talk to a counselor, call (800) 803-7174. Information is available on their web site at www.mymmap.org.
   

• Medicare provides information by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (800) MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or on the web at www.medicare.gov.
   

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) administers the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Web site is www.cms.gov.
   

• The Social Security Administration (SSA) has information and an online application form for the Extra Help to assist with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan costs for people with low income and resources. Web site: www.ssa.gov.
   

• Access Benefits Check-Up Rx, the online decision-support questionnaire located on The Senior Alliance (TSA) home page. You can confidentially complete this form to receive information about prescription assistance programs. It is kept confidential because no identifying information is requested. Once information about the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans become available in October, you can also receive information to help you find a plan that meets your needs.

back to top

Information Sheets

• Quick Facts about Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs (CMS) (PDF)
   

• New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: A Message for People who care for someone with Medicare (CMS) (PDF)
   

• Quick Facts About Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and Protecting Your Personal Information (PDF)
   

• Quick Facts about Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs for People with Limited Income and Resources – Extra Help (CMS) (PDF)
   

• Quick Facts about Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs if You Applied for Extra Help (CMS) (PDF)
   

• Do you have a Medigap policy with Prescription Drug Coverage? (CMS) (PDF)
   

• Quick Facts about Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs (CMS) (PDF)
   

• The Facts about Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (CMS) (PDF)
   

• Quick Facts about Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs for people who have Prescription Coverage from an employer or Union (CMS) (PDF)
   

• Quick Facts about Medicare's new coverage for Prescription Drugs for people who are Nursing Home residents or live in certain types of Long-Term Care Facilities (CMS) (PDF)
   

• Quick Facts about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage for people who have Medicare and get Housing Assistance from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) (CMS) (PDF)
   

• Medicaid Spend Down (CMS) (PDF)
   

• Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and other Federal Means-tested programs (CMS) (PDF)

back to top

Additional web sites with Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage information

• Kaiser Family Foundation – Prescription Drugs
  http://www.kff.org/medicare/rxdrugdebate.cfm