Who can
get Medicare prescription drug coverage?
Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this
coverage, regardless of income and
resources, health status, or current
prescription expenses.When can I
get Medicare prescription drug coverage?
You may sign up from November 15, 2005 to
May 15, 2006. If you join by December 31,
2005, your coverage will start January 1,
2006, and you won't miss a day of coverage.
If you don't sign up when you are first
eligible or by May 15, 2006, you may pay a
penalty. Your next opportunity to enroll is
from November 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006.
How does Medicare prescription
drug coverage work?
Your decision about Medicare prescription
drug coverage depends on the kind of health
care coverage you have now. There are two
ways to get Medicare prescription drug
coverage. You can join a Medicare
prescription drug plan or you can join a
Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare
Health Plans that offer drug coverage.
Whatever plan you choose, Medicare drug
coverage will help you by covering
brand-name and generic drugs at pharmacies
that are convenient for you.
Like other insurance, if you join, you will
pay a monthly premium, which varies by plan,
and a yearly deductible (no more than $250
in 2006). You will also pay a part of the
cost of your prescriptions, including a
copayment or coinsurance. Costs will vary
depending on which drug plan you choose.
Some plans may offer more coverage and
additional drugs for a higher monthly
premium. If you have limited income and
resources, and you qualify for extra help,
you may not have to pay a premium or
deductible. You can apply or get more
information about the extra help by calling
Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY
1-800-325-0778) or visiting
www.socialsecurity.gov.
Why should I get Medicare
prescription drug coverage?
Medicare prescription drug coverage provides
greater peace of mind by protecting you from
unexpected drug expenses. Even if you don't
use a lot of prescription drugs now, you
should still consider joining. As we age,
most people need prescription drugs to stay
healthy. For most people, joining now means
protecting yourself from unexpected
prescription drug bills in the future.
What if I have a limited income
and resources?
There is extra help for people with limited
income and resources. Almost 1 in 3 people
with Medicare will qualify for extra help
and Medicare will pay for almost all of
their prescription drug costs. You can apply
or get more information about the extra help
by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213
(TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting
www.socialsecurity.gov.
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This in-service training is funded by Florida Cooperative Extension Service. EEO