Help Available on New Drug Benefit
Posted on: Thursday, 6 October 2005, 21:00 CDT
By Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express-News
Oct. 5--Senior citizens and others interested in the new Medicare funded Prescription Drug Benefit will be offered a series of discussions by the AACOG Bexar Area Agency on Aging.
The prescription program, goes into effect at the beginning of 2006.
Staff members will discuss how the new benefit affects recipients, what's available for those already receiving prescription drugs, and, how low-income residents can get help paying premiums.
The amendment is part of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, which President Bush signed into law and which goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2006.
The sign-up period for the new benefit begins Nov. 15. Recipients need to sign up by May 15, 2006; if not, many beneficiaries will have to wait until Nov. 15, 2006 to enroll in a plan and pay a penalty.
Dana Long, a grant specialist who coordinates outreach efforts for Medicare prescription drug benefits, said it's important for beneficiaries to understand what plans are available to them and how to make informed decisions about what's best for them.
"This new benefit is available to everyone on Medicare, regardless of age or income," Long said. " Everybody needs to be informed about what their choices are."
Long said many plans will be available, and they need to compare them before making a decision.
Starting next week, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services will feature an online program called Plan finder in which residents can log in medicines and compare options at www.medicare.gov.
Under the new plan, Medicare recipients would choose a plan and pay an average premium of $32 a month. Each recipient would have a choice between multiple prescription drug plans.
Extra help is available for people with incomes below the federal poverty level. Eligible recipients, who need help paying for their premiums or part of it, can call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213.
For more information call Bexar Area Agency on Aging assistance at (210) 362-5254.
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Source: San Antonio Express-News
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