Medicare Part D by Mary Mannhardt
The deadline to sign up for Medicare Part D without penalty is fast approaching. If you join after May 15, 2006 (and only during the open enrollment period between November 15 and December 31 of each year) you will have to pay more for the entire time that you have part D. Since private companies are setting up the plans for Medicare, each plan will be a bit different. Some may use certain pharmacies and others may cover only certain drugs. The costs also may vary, so it is important to pick one that meets your needs. Medicare has information that can help you compare the plans. You can get the information at www.medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE. Another place to receive help is the State Health Assistance Program, known as (SHIP).
If you already get drug coverage from an employer or union, but your current plan covers less than Medicare, you can keep your current plan and join a Medicare plan for complete coverage. Navigating the Medicare system can seem overwhelming at first, so it is important to understand a few basic facts. Part D is available to everyone on Medicare. There are no other eligibility requirements. A Medicare recipient cannot be denied Part D coverage for medical reasons or income level.
When enrolling in Medicare prescription coverage, the first things recipients will notice is there are several options to choose from. The plans are diverse and are meant to assist as many different people as possible. It’s important to note that discount cards issued in the past are not the same thing and will expire on May 15, 2006. Those temporary cards only provided discounts, not insurance. The new Part D replaces those on a permanent basis.
Part D has received critical and justified negative press since its inception. Americans United for Change says the Bush plan is a special interest law, written by and for the drug and insurance companies. It prohibits Medicare from negotiating for the lowest possible drug price for seniors and those with disabilities. A March 6th poll by the Washington Post found that 58 percent of people disapprove of the way Bus is handling the prescription drug benefits, while only 32% approve.
from Spring 2006 Newsletter
by Mary Mannhardt
