MMAP’s Mission

To empower seniors and other people on Medicare to make educated health coverage decisions.

Since 1984, MMAP (Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program) has provided free education and personalized assistance to people with Medicare and Medicaid, their families and caregivers.

 

 

New Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Starting January 1, 2006, Medicare will offer insurance coverage for prescription drugs to all people with Medicare.

All individuals entitled to Medicare Part A and/or enrolled in Medicare Part B can enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D) beginning November 15, 2005. The drug benefit, the first major change to Medicare since in was enacted in 1965, was added to the program by the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA).

The way the benefit works is CMS contracts with private companies offering prescription drug plans (PDPs). The plans negotiate discounted prices for drugs on behalf of their enrollees. Insurance companies and other appropriate organizations bid to serve as prescription drug plans.

People with Medicare can also receive drug benefits through their other Medicare health plan or Medicare Advantage plan (MA-PD) if they are enrolled in one. Some employers and unions may also provide coverage to people with Medicare.

Medicare prescription drug coverage is helpful, especially for those who currently don’t have coverage for their prescription drugs.

A MMAP trained volunteer counselors will work with you in reviewing your prescription drug needs and beginning October 1, 2005 in assisting you in selecting a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). Call 1-800-803-7174 to reach a MMAP volunteer counselor within your community.

Since this is new, it’s key that people with Medicare understand these important points...

Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare Will Provide Drug Coverage That:

þ   Is available to all people with Medicare

þ   Helps pay for the prescriptions that people with Medicare need

þ   Provides additional help for those who need it most

þ   Pays for brand name and generic drugs

þ   Allows people with Medicare to choose between at least two Medicare prescription drug plans

þ   Enroll now to pay lower premiums

þ   Enroll soon before the enrollment period ends.

It is very important that all people who have Medicare review the benefits, options and features relating to the Medicare Prescription Drug coverage and make an informed decision concerning enrolling in a plan.

A person must enroll in a plan (PDP or MA-PD) to get Medicare prescription drug coverage. Click here to learn more or go to Medicare’s website at www.medicare.gov.

Be aware that help understanding Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and other aspects of Medicare are free. Always be careful to whom you give your personal information. When protecting your identity the best motto to follow is

“When in doubt...Don’t give it out.”

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage – Important dates for people with Medicare

Make an impact

You can make a difference. 

Become a volunteer counselor and feel the satisfaction gained from sharing your time and energy. You can make a very real difference by providing prescription drug counseling and referral services to Medicare recipients and their caregivers. 

MMAP is recruiting Prescription Assistance Counselors to help people with Medicare and their caregivers work through the changes in prescription drug coverage as a result of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA). The MMA adds Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage starting in January 2006.

With the implementation of Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, many of Michigan’s 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries – individuals 65 and older and individuals under 65 with certain disabilities – are faced with making crucial decisions regarding their coverage options. Many of them are confused about the upcoming changes and how to get covered, while others aren’t even aware that changes are coming or that assistance is available. But regardless of the levels of confusion or awareness, one fact ties all of these people together; prescription drugs provide a necessary lifeline.

MMAP is in need of volunteer Prescription Assistance Counselors who are caring citizens eager to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Volunteers are able to set their own hours and do not need any specific qualifications. After completing a one-day training session, volunteers will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to help people with Medicare review current coverage, determine eligibility for extra help benefits and help with program enrollment. Counseling sessions are done in person, over the phone, or at a specified location such as the beneficiary’s home.

To learn more about MMAP’s volunteer program, click here or call 1-800-803-7174 to speak with a MMAP Volunteer in your community.