Medicare/ Prescription Drugs
Our staff is able to help you with any issues or problems you may have concerning Medicare. Some of the most common issues are detailed below, but do not hesitate to contact us on any Medicare related concerns.
Medicare's New Prescription Drug Program
Medicare began prescription drug coverage on January 1, 2006. - Medicare pays for both brand name and generic drugs.
- Medicare prescription drug coverage is optional, and totally voluntary.
- Medicare provides extra help for those who qualify through the Social Security Administration or the state.
- Everyone with Medicare is eligible regardless of income level, resources, pre-
existing conditions, or current prescription expenses. - There are two types of Medicare prescription drug plans:
- Additional coverage to the original Medicare fee for service plan;
- Coverage that is a part of Medicare Advantage Health Plans
(ex. HMOs, PPOs; PFFSs)
Extra Help
- You automatically qualify for extra help if you have both Medicare and Medicaid, both Medicare and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or both Medicare and a Medicare Savings Program.
- To see if you qualify for extra help, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Service’s website or The U.S. Social Security Administration’s website.
- Apply for this extra help through the Social Security Administration.
Medigap
- If you have a Medigap policy, you will need to make some decisions. It is your choice to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.
- What you need to know:
- Medicare will give you at least two plans to choose from in your area.
- Please note that you cannot have prescription drug coverage under both a Medigap policy and a Medicare prescription drug plan at the same time.
You have four options:
- Enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and keep the Medigap policy without the prescription drug coverage.
- Enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan by May 15, 2006, and you can switch from your current Medigap policy to one that does not include prescription drug coverage.
- Enroll in an HMO, PPO or PFFS that offers prescription drug coverage. Therefore, you will not need a Medigap policy.
- Keep the Medigap policy that you currently have.
For more information, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov. For assistance on deciding which plan best meets your needs, call the Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-252-9240.