November Medicare Prescription Drug Update

Linda Wells, Aging and Disability Services Planner

How Many Mailings Did You Receive This Week?

If you are like most of us, your mail person has stronger muscles from carrying all those Medicare Prescription Drug plan announcements, updates, corrections to the 2006 Medicare and You manual, and assurances from your current drug plan that "your drug coverage is just fine and you don't need to do anything." 

Still reading? This whole process can seem overwhelming, and to be honest, it is. However, prioritizing the steps you need to take will help. This month, we suggest you take three steps. Next month, December, we'll offer a few more. And, we'll give you several no-cost resources to help you with questions or concerns.

First Step: Find a pen and paper and go to the spot where you keep your prescription drugs. Write down everything you take, including dosage and the complete names.

Second Step: Is your annual income less than $14,355 (for a single person) or $19,256 for a married couple? Do you have savings, investments and real estate (other than your home) worth less than $11,501? If you are married, are your savings, investments, and real estate worth less than $23,001? If yes, then call 1-800 772-1213 or go to www.ssa.gov and find out if you qualify for extra help in paying for your deductible and premiums. 

Third Step: Find out from your current insurance provider if your plan offers prescription drug coverage and if it is "creditable." Creditable means that the coverage is as good, as if not better, than the plans that Medicare will offer. If your plan is not "creditable," then you will need to decide whether or not to drop your current plan and enroll in a new Medicare drug plan. (We will discuss the importance of choosing to stay in your current plan or changing plans in the next issue.) If you wait until after May 15, 2006 to decide, you may have to pay more for your premiums.

Everyone who is enrolled in Medicare needs to decide whether or not to enroll in one of the new drug plans. Go to www.medicare.gov to find out the options available in your state. Once you get to the Home Page of www.medicare.gov:

1. click on "Landscape of Local Plans"
2. click on your State
3. on the next screen, select "answer" #5
4. click on the link for The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder
5. click on "Plans for your State"  

You will see the list of plans, and how much each charges for deductibles, monthly premiums and copayments.

For More Information....

If you have any questions about the steps listed above or for anything else, please call your local Senior Information and Assistance office.  In King County, Washington that number is 1-888-435-3377.  Other great resources are www.benefitscheckuprx.org or www.ssa.gov.