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Medicare Part D
As many of you may know, in June of 2003, Congress passed a prescription drug plan that for all intents and purposes privatizes Medicare by turning over control to HMO’s and the private health industry. This new benefit is also known as the Medicare Prescription Drug program (or Medicare Part D). The Medicare Part D plan contains severe policy implications, including: restrictions on patient’s privacy, no Federal cost containment mechanisms, the elimination of high risk pools; and burdensome re-registration and non-portability of coverage for seniors. Nevertheless, the program is now law and although I feel it is a less than “ideal” plan, I would like to make sure my constituents can make the most informed decision.
Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare will offer beneficiaries assistance in paying for a range of prescription drugs. Participants in this program will initially pay a premium of $37 a month. Coverage will be based on the amount spent on prescription drugs for the year. For example:
Medicare Part D is available to enrolled or eligible participants in the Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B programs. In order to join the Part D plan for the 2006 cycle, you must apply via online (medicare.gov) or call toll free (1-800-MEDICARE, TTY 1-877-486-2048) between November 15-December 31, 2005. If you do not enroll with the Part D program by December 31st, Medicare will automatically enroll you in a plan (not of your choosing) by May 15, 2006.
If you apply for the Part D program prior to December 31, 2005, you should receive a prescription drug card in January 2006. These cards may be used at your pharmacy. My District Office can direct many questions that you may have regarding eligibility and enrollment; however, the best resource on how to choose a plan under the Part D program, or costs please contact the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or www.medicare.gov.
Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare will offer beneficiaries assistance in paying for a range of prescription drugs. Participants in this program will initially pay a premium of $37 a month. Coverage will be based on the amount spent on prescription drugs for the year. For example:
- Part D participants pay 25 percent of drug costs from $250-$2,250, while Medicare pays 75 percent
- Part D participants pay 100 percent of drug costs from $2,850 up to $3,600 and Medicare pays nothing
- Part D participants pay 5 percent for anything over $3,600
Medicare Part D is available to enrolled or eligible participants in the Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B programs. In order to join the Part D plan for the 2006 cycle, you must apply via online (medicare.gov) or call toll free (1-800-MEDICARE, TTY 1-877-486-2048) between November 15-December 31, 2005. If you do not enroll with the Part D program by December 31st, Medicare will automatically enroll you in a plan (not of your choosing) by May 15, 2006.
If you apply for the Part D program prior to December 31, 2005, you should receive a prescription drug card in January 2006. These cards may be used at your pharmacy. My District Office can direct many questions that you may have regarding eligibility and enrollment; however, the best resource on how to choose a plan under the Part D program, or costs please contact the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or www.medicare.gov.