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The New Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

Posted on: Monday, 14 November 2005, 21:00 CST

CHICAGO, Nov. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- For those in Medicare who have been struggling to afford the medications their doctors prescribe, help is finally here. Starting on November 15, beneficiaries can begin enrolling in the new Medicare prescription drug plans.

For the first time in the program's history, Medicare will help pay the costs of prescription drugs. Ralph Yaniz, State Director for AARP Illinois explains, "Until now, Medicare, our nation's largest health insurance provider, did not cover prescription drugs. However, drug therapies are modern medicine and they are an integral part of disease treatment and prevention. But their steadily rising costs have prevented some consumers from getting all the medications they need. Medicare prescription drug plans are a welcome relief for millions of older and disabled Americans."

Regardless of where you live, Medicare prescription drug plans are being offered in many shapes and sizes, and extra help is available for those with limited incomes. With the assistance of Medicare and State Health Insurance Counseling Programs -- like the Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine -- there are many resources to help people understand how the coverage works and how to select a plan that meets their individual needs. In Illinois, the state's pharmacy assistance programs: Illinois Cares Rx and the new federal Medicare prescription drug program will work together to help eligible seniors in Illinois get the drugs they need.

"Whether it is the convenience of having your prescriptions filled at your neighborhood pharmacy, coverage for the specific medications you take, or the peace of mind knowledge that you will be covered against high drug costs in the future, the more than 1.6 million Medicare beneficiaries in Illinois will soon have significant relief," Yaniz said.

Although savings will start on January 1st for those enrolled in a Medicare drug plan, AARP reminds beneficiaries that there is no rush to enroll. "The enrollment deadline is not until May 15, 2006, so there is plenty of time to review all of the plan offerings, talk to health insurance counselors and Medicare, and select the plan that helps you save the most money," said Yaniz

Advocates offer some simple advice that will help beneficiaries select a plan. AARP recommends that beneficiaries or their family member write down all of their medications and their prescribed dosages. This will help you compare plan offerings.

Those who do not enroll by May 2006 may be subject to a late enrollment penalty of 1% of the monthly premium each month. Everyone with current prescription drug coverage should receive a letter from their insurer that explains their coverage and whether or not it is considered "creditable." Those with "creditable" coverage will not be subject to a late enrolment penalty if their existing coverage is ever eliminated and they choose then to enroll.

According to Yaniz, "For those who are healthy, the plans will protect you in the future. We all know that the older you get, the more medications you are likely to take. With a late enrollment penalty, signing up today could be much less costly than waiting."

From the Medicare website to state health insurance counseling programs in all 50 states, resources are in place to make enrollment easier. Medicare also has a toll-free number 1-800-MEDICARE or 1-800-633-4227, where people can receive all the information they need. Information is also available on line at http://www.medicare.gov/ .

Call the Illinois Department on Aging HelpLine to find the closest senior services provider near you at 1-800-252-8966.

AARP's free publication "The New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: What You Need to Know" is available in Spanish and English to members and non- members alike. This easy to understand resource will help people learn how the new plans work and how to find enrollment assistance. To order the publication, simply call 1-888-687-2277 or visit http://www.aarp.org/ . AARP's toll-free operators can also help beneficiaries and their families get the information they need.

For those with limited incomes, the new Medicare prescription drug plans will be a free or very low-cost benefit. To find out if you qualify for extra help, go to http://www.socialsecurity.gov/ or call 1-800-325-0778.

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our Web site, http://www.aarp.org/ . AARP Foundation is our affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP

CONTACT: Beverly Moore of AARP, +1-312-458-3609

Web site: http://www.aarp.org/http://www.medicare.gov/http://www.socialsecurity.gov/

Source: PRNewswire

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