 |
221 West 1st Street Duluth, MN 55802 218.722.5545 or: 800.232.0707 |
Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D)
The Annual Enrollment Period opens on November 15th and runs through December 31st for plans that go into effect on 1 January 2007. Now is the time to review your current needs to determine whether your plan is still working for you.
The Annual Enrollment Period opens on November 15th and runs through December 31st for plans that go into effect on 1 January 2007. Now is the time to review your current needs to determine whether your plan is still working for you.
| Formularies
|
| Your plans formulary may have changed or you may have been prescribed new medications since you enrolled and your plan’s formulary doesn’t cover them. If this has occurred and you have a drug that is not included in your plans formulary you may want to contact the plan and confirm this and check with your doctor to determine if he can prescribe a similar drug that is listed on your plan’s formulary. Also a doctor can work with a plan to get an exception or appeal the decision. If this is not an option you may want to compare other plans and switch. Remember that generic drugs are a less expensive and sometimes suitable alternative to brand name medications. |
| Pharmacies
|
| You want to ensure that your preferred pharmacy participates with any plan you choose. If you intend to switch pharmacies the same applies. Also, if mail order is important to you, be sure to ask if the pharmacy provides this service. You can switch pharmacies at any time throughout the year, but be careful to ensure your plan and pharmacy work together. |
| Deductibles and Doughnut Holes
|
| Does your current plan have a deductible? Does it have a gap in coverage at any time during the year? Figure your actual out of pocket costs for the year, (plan premiums and co-pays) and compare them against other plans. You may find a plan with better overall coverage that requires a higher monthly premium, but saves you money in the long run by covering your medications for the entire year - no doughnut hole or gap in coverage. |
| Program Assistance
|
| If you are receiving Extra Help from the Social Security Administration, (SSA) and your income has not increased, you need not do anything, especially if you are satisfied with your current plan. If your income has increased, you should contact SSA and reapply for Extra Help. SSA may send you a letter asking about any changes in your income. If you believe you or someone you know might be eligible for Extra Help ask for an application from SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or call the Senior LinkAge Line™ at 1-800-333-2433. The Senior LinkAge Line™ can also provide information on other options and programs that can help pay for prescriptions and reduce costs. When you switch plans, (enroll in a new plan) you are automatically dropped from the former plan and the new plan starts on the 1st of the next month or January for enrollments in November and December. Exceptions are those who have been granted Special Enrollment Periods and/or persons who are Dual Eligible. (On Medicare and Medicaid or on Medicare and enrolled in a Medicare Savings Program). For more information call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or the Senior LinkAge Line™ at 1-800-333-2433. Whether you are currently: Enrolled in a stand alone drug plan or Advantage plan, You are new to Medicare, You are receiving drug benefits through the Veterans Administration or an employer or Union, You have just relocated, You have just been approved for Extra Help or You have not made a decision about your drug coverage, You should consider Medicare part D and how it may affect you. Contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 or the Senior LinkAge Line™ at 1-800-333-2433 and review your 2007 Medicare and You Handbook for comprehensive information about Medicare, Part D plans. |
| Now is the time to look at your current needs and compare plans
|
| There is no one plan fits all scenario. It is important that couples review plans separately as individual needs differ from person to person and you will need to choose a plan that best suits you. Remember, the Senior LinkAge Line™ is here to help. Call 1-800-333-2433 for one to one assistance and/or to make an appointment with one of our volunteer State Health Insurance Counselors in your area. |
 |
| Select a Font Size |  |
 |
 |
| Seeking Members to Serve on the Advisory Committee on Aging The Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) is seeking persons of minority to serve on the Advisory Committee on Aging. The Committee guides the activites of the Arrowhead Area Agency on Aging. Persons age 60+ are especially encouraged to apply. For more information or for an application, contact Kara Edwards at 218-529-7520 |
| Care Consultant Services
|
|