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Prescription Drugs

If you did not sign up during the initial six month enrollment period, you can begin signing up for the new, voluntary, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit beginning November 15th.   For the first time in history, every senior in America has access to affordable prescription drug assistance. 

If you are over 65, between November 15, 2005 and May 15, 2006 you were able to sign up for prescription drug assistance.  While the enrollment period has closed for 2006, you can still sign up in the future.  For less than $30 per month, Medicare will cover 75% of your prescriptions between $250 and $2,250.  Medicare will even cover 95% of your catastrophic prescription drug costs, above $3,600.  

If you make less than $14,355 (if you are single) or $19,245 (as a married couple), Medicare will offer additional help with your prescription drug costs.  The premiums will be lower, the co-payments are reduced, and you will have no gap in coverage.  If Medicaid already covers your prescription drugs, the new benefit will automatically pay for your prescriptions. 

This benefit is completely voluntary – if you already have comparable prescription drug coverage from an employer, you can keep it.  If you do not have prescription drug coverage and you did not join by May 15, 2006, you will be penalized a small amount for every month you delay.  This penalty usually amounts to about 27 cents per month, or an additional $2.00 on your future monthly premiums.  Please know that if you meet the low-income qualification standards, or if you currently have qualifying prescription drug coverage, you will not be assessed a penalty if you sign up in the future.

I encourage you to take the time to look through the 19 plans available in Florida.  This new voluntary benefit is estimated to save seniors up to half of the costs on your prescription drugs.  I am excited about the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit, but recognize you will have many questions.  Please contact the Medicare offices at 800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov.  You may also contact a local SHINE representative at 800-262-2243.

Related Documents:

On the Hill, Off the Cuff - MONDAY IS THE MEDICARE PART D ENROLLMENT DEADLINE 5.12.2006

On the Hill, Off the Cuff - NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT HELPING FLORIDA SENIORS 3.17.2006

Press Release - REP. BROWN-WAITE HOSTS MEDICARE Rx BUS TOUR IN SPRING HILL, FL 2.17.2006

On the Hill, Off the Cuff - ENSURING PRESCRIPTION DRUG SHIPMENTS – PROTECTING YOUR POCKETBOOK 2.17.2006

On the Hill, Off the Cuff - NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT – SIGN UP TODAY 11.18.2005


More Documents...

Related Files:

Seniors Support the Medicare Part D Plan

Medicare Part D Deadline Approaching

Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit

Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit

 

© 2005 Congresswoman Ginny Brown-Waite. All Rights Reserved.