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Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit: Online ResourceThe new drug benefit will go into effect January 1, 2006. It is available to everyone with Medicare, regardless of income or health status. For information about the plans available in Utah, go to Medicare's website and click on "Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans" or go directly to the Prescription Drug Guide. Additional information is also available in the new "Medicare and You 2006" handbook. You may also want to ask a family member, friend, or other caregiver to help you decide what drug coverage meets your needs. Personalized assistance is also available by calling a Medicare customer service representative at 1-800-Medicare, or through the State Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) at 1-800-541-7735. Have the following information available when you are ready to sign up for a plan:
Summary of Prescription Drug BenefitBeginning in 2006, Medicare beneficiaries will have access to the standard drug benefit described below. Although drug plan sponsors may change some of the specifications below, the benefit offered must at least be equal in value to the standard benefit. Standard coverage includes:
Additional Provisions for Low Income SeniorsBeneficiaries with limited savings and incomes below 135 percent of the federal poverty line ($12,123 for individuals, $16,362 for couples) will receive:
Beneficiaries with limited savings and incomes below 150 percent of the federal poverty level ($13,470 for individuals; $18,180 for couples) will receive:
New Preventive BenefitsBeginning in 2005, all newly enrolled Medicare beneficiaries will be covered for an initial physical examination, and all beneficiaries will be covered for cardiovascular screening blood tests, and those at risk will be covered for a diabetes screen. These new benefits can be used to screen Medicare beneficiaries for many illnesses and conditions that, if caught early, can be treated, managed, and can result in far fewer serious health consequences.Prescription Drug Resources
Detailed reports prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) at the Library of Congress: *Medicare Drug Benefit Overview and Bill Summary *Medicare Health Care Provider Reforms *Guide to Calculating Eligibility for Low-Income Assistance *About PDF File Documents Medicare vs. Social Security Administration (SSA) Questions?
If you have a question about:
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