Update on the New Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage
 

Medicare is facing some big changes in the upcoming six months which will impact beneficiaries in the 9 th Congressional District. Beginning in January of 2006, Medicare will offer prescription drug coverage. This coverage will be offered as insurance from private health insurance companies. Enrollees will be able to choose a plan and be required to pay a monthly premium. Beneficiaries can join a Medicare prescription drug plan from November 15, 2005 through May 15, 2006 . If you do not sign up with a plan by May 15, you may have to pay a penalty if you decide to join at a later date. Enrolling by May 15, 2006 means you pay a lower monthly premium than if you join later. By now, Medicare beneficiaries should have received the Medicare & You 2006 handbook which explains in detail the new prescription drug coverage and which plans are available in your area. If you have not received this handbook, please contact my office at 617-428-2000. However, all the choices available can be very confusing. I would encourage those interested to take advantage of the many free resources available to help make this important decision. Additionally, I have put together a list of contacts and resources that you and your family can use to help you decide what plan is best for your needs. However, as always, if you have questions and need help please do not hesitate to contact my office at 617-428-2000: The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare Medicare beneficiaries can call 1-800-MEDICARE to speak directly with benefit counselor or log onto http://www.medicare.gov to access much useful information. Apply for Extra Help Through Social Security If your income and assets are limited, there is a special part of Medicare's new drug program that may provide you with even greater help in paying for your prescription drugs. To apply for Extra Help contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit their website at www.socialsecurity.gov . Medicare Access for Patients-Rx (MAPRx) MAPRx is a coalition of patient, family caregiver and health professional organizations committed to safeguarding the well-being of patients with chronic diseases and disabilities under Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. Their website has many valuable tools to help you navigate the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit at www.maprx.info The Access to Benefits Coalition ABC is dedicated to ensuring that Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes and resources know about and can make the best use of all available resources for reducing the costs of prescription drugs, including Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, the extra help available for paying prescription drug costs, the Medicare-approved drug discount card program, State Pharmacy Assistance Programs, Patient Assistance Programs, and more. Their website also contains much useful information at www.accesstobenefits.org Other Massachusetts Specific Organizations: Access to Benefits Coalition Members Coalition members educate and enroll people in different prescription drug programs, including Medicare. These independent local groups belong to a national network. The agencies below serve only the areas listed. Community Partners, Inc. 413-253-4283 Berkshire , Franklin and Hampshire Counties Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD) 617-348-6412 Suffolk County State Aging Agency This agency has a wide range of services and referrals for seniors. Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs http://www.800ageinfo.com/ 800-243-4636 Local Area Aging Agencies can be found at the contacts above, or by visiting www.eldercare.gov or calling 800-677-1116. State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) SHIP offers free, one-on-one, local counseling to people with Medicare and their families. Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders http://www.medicareoutreach.org/ 800-243-4636 Local SHIP counselors can be found at the contact above, or by calling 800-677-1116, or visiting www.shiptalk.org or www.eldercare.gov . State Insurance Commissioner This office has information about insurance plans and costs. They often have special resources for seniors. Massachusetts Division of Insurance http://www.mass.gov/doi/ 617-521-7794 State Medicaid Office This office manages the state's Medicaid program. They also handle Medicaid enrollment. MassHealth http://www.mass.gov/masshealth 800-841-2900 State Prescription Assistance Program A program to help you reduce the cost of your prescription drugs Prescription Advantage Plan http://www.mass.gov/portal/index.jsp?pageID=elderssubtopic&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Health+ Care&L2=Prescription+Advantage&sid=Eelders 617-727-7750/800-243-4636 State Protection & Advocacy (P&A) Agency This agency protects the legal rights of people with disabilities, including people on Medicaid. Disability Law Center http://www.dlc-ma.org/ 800-872-9992     Home    About the 9th District    Government Resources   Newsroom Constituent Services    Students    Visiting Washington, DC