Weekly Column

           After 40 years of providing dependable coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays and life-saving surgeries, Medicare now covers new preventive screenings and offers dependable coverage for prescription drugs. The new Medicare Prescription Drug Plan will help over half a million seniors in Oklahoma afford the medicines they need to stay healthy. Low-income seniors in Oklahoma will save an average of $1,436 on out-of-pocket costs with this new plan. November 15 marks the first day to enroll in this program. Anyone that is eligible for Medicare can enroll, but you have to sign up.

     You can sign up for a plan between now and May 15, 2006. But the sooner you sign up, the sooner you begin prescription coverage. Here are some things you will need to know to get started:

• Gather information about your current coverage for healthcare and prescription drugs. Make sure you know what coverage you have now.
• Gather information about the prescriptions you use, including their names and dosages. Think about other things that matter to you about coverage, like whether you want coverage that has a lower premium. This will help you compare each plan and decide which one fits your individual needs.
• Look for the Medicare and You 2006 handbook that will help you compare plans and select a plan that is right for you.
• Apply for extra help if you think you might qualify. Almost 1 in 3 people will qualify for extra help that will cover between 85-100 percent of their costs of medicines. Most people who are eligible for this extra help will pay no premiums, no deductibles and no more than $5 for each prescription. The amount of extra help will be based on income and resources. You may qualify if your resources are less than $11,500 if you are single or $23,000 if you are married. For more information please call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-SSA-1213.

     I urge you to find out more about this plan and how it could help you afford the medicines you need. Keep an eye out for community meetings to find out more information about your options. For detailed information, you can look at the Medicare & You 2006 handbook, visit www.medicare.gov on the web or call 1-800-633-4227. You can also get personalized counseling by calling your State Health Insurance Assistant Program or local office on aging. For the telephone number of your local office call 1-800-677-1116 or visit www.eldercare.gov.