MEDICARE Part D Prescription Drug Plan Options:

        For the first time ever, everyone with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drug usage, will have access to prescription drug coverage. The new coverage to begins on January 1, 2006. Enrollment doesn't begin until November 15th. By now, people with Medicare should have received their Medicare & You 2006 handbook which explains in detail what prescription drug coverage means to them and which plans are available in their area.

        Medicare Part D is not that difficult to understand. There has been a lot of confusing information in the news about Part D Medicare. You will pay a monthly premium to the Insurance Company you select for your coverage. Depending on the plan, you may have a $250 deductible before it starts to cover your prescriptions. The Initial coverage is paid at a minimum of 75% towards your prescriptions (some plans may pay more or use co-pays). Once you have spent $2,250 out of your pocket towards prescriptions, you reach the "Donut Hole". At this point you will pay 100% of your prescriptions until you reach $3,600. This amount includes co-pays and the deductible, if you have one. Be aware that there are some "premium plans" which offer some coverage through the "Donut Hole". This is where the Catastrophic Benefit begins. The Catastrophic Benefit pays a minimum of 95% of your prescriptions for the remainder of the year.

        Please remember that if you select a Medicare Advantage plan, you will not need to look further than your carrier to find your Medicare Part D plan. Your Medicare Advantage company will offer you the Part D plans you can select. If you were to try and purchase a Medicare Part D plan from another company, you would be dis-enrolled by your Medical Advantage plan by CMS (Medicare). Another option would be to switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan if you wished. This can also be done in the November 15th to January 1st enrollment period. You will be able to make 1 change from January 1st to May 15th 2006. You will then be locked in until the November 15th 2006 enrollment period.

What is Medicare prescription drug coverage?
    Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that covers both brand-name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area. Medicare prescription drug coverage provides protection for people who have very high drug costs.

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 co-payment 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.

for more information concerning Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit, please call 800-426-2058, or fill out the short form below and an agent will contact you within 24 hours.

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