New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services

Starting January 1, 2006, Medicare will offer prescription drug plans to help you pay for the prescriptions you need. Medicare prescription drug plans will be offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. Plans will cover both generic and brand-name prescription drugs. You can choose and enroll in the plan that meets your needs.  If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for extra help in paying for your Medicare prescription drug plan costs. The Social Security Administration will mail an application for extra help in the summer of 2005 to those who have certain limited income and resources. If you qualify, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible, but may still have to pay co-pay amounts.  If you are on a fixed income and are not sure if you will qualify, contact one of the resources listed below for help.

For more information about Medicare prescription drug coverage, read the "Medicare & You 2006" handbook you will receive in the mail in October 2005. It will include more detailed information about Medicare prescription drug plans, including which plans will be available in your area. After that time, if you need help choosing a Medicare prescription drug plan that meets your needs, you can:

• Visit www.medicare.gov on the web. Select "Search Tools" to get personalized information.
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
• Call the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at (502) 266-6084 or 1-888-737-3363
• Look for local Medicare-related events in your area.

Information from the Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services