US Senator Ken Salazar - Colorado
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IMPORTANT: Medicare Part D Enrollment Begins Nov. 15, 2006

October 2006

Dear Friend:

I am pleased that you are visiting my website to learn more about the Medicare Prescription Drug program (Medicare Part D) which was created by the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. It is important that you hear the facts about 2007 prescription drug plans.

Enrollment for Medicare Part D begins Nov. 15th and ends December 31st, 2006. Coverage starts January 1, 2007. There are 13 new plans available for Colorado residents. Also, many of this year’s plans will change in January. It is important that you compare the prescription drug plan you have been using this year with the plans that will be in place next year. Some of the premium and co-pay costs have changed, as have some of the formularies (approved drugs). Please check your plan for any changes.

It is important to note that:

  • If you select a different plan in 2007, you should enroll in that plan as soon after November 15th as possible.
  • After January 1, 2007, you will not be able to change plans until the next enrollment time begins November 15, 2007 to December 31, 2007.
  • If you are eligible for Medicare and sign-up for a prescription drug plan after December 31, 2006, you will pay a 1% per month penalty which will be added to your monthly premium cost at the time you enroll in a plan.

Enrolling by December 8, 2006, will ensure that you can use your coverage as soon as you need it after January 1st. Because there are so many options, I recommend that you take your time and get information from people who have been trained to help you make an informed decision.

You have taken an important step by visiting my website today. For further information on the plans available both in Colorado and nationwide (for those of you who travel throughout the year), you can call these numbers here in Colorado:

  • The Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) - 1-888-696-7213; 1-800-544-9181 or 303-899-5151. You can call any of these numbers to speak with a counselor and you can ask the counselor as many questions as you want. Additionally, you can schedule an appointment to meet with a SHIP counselor by calling these telephone numbers.
  • You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227- toll free) for information on available plans. You will not be immediately connected to a live person. It is an automated system that is voice activated. Follow the instructions and you will be connected to a customer service representative.
  • You can access the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov for information on-line about the prescription drug benefit. This website includes a database of Colorado’s 55 Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.

For low-income seniors there is assistance available to cover the costs of premiums and co-pays. It's called "Extra Help". Ask the SHIP counselor or the Medicare customer service representative how you might qualify. On-line information is available at www.medicare.gov .

You will need to have several pieces of information with you when you make your call or meet with a counselor, such as your Medicare card, your current health care policy, a list of your prescriptions and the pharmacy where you have them filled.

Remember that enrollment begins November 15th and ends December 31st, 2006. It is important that you determine what plan will work for you in 2007. I hope the information and sources listed above helps you begin the process of selecting a prescription drug plan that meets your needs.

Sincerely,

Ken Salazar

United States Senator


Legislation

 


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