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On June 1, 2004, for the first time
in Medicare’s history, a prescription drug benefit was offered
to more than 40 million seniors and disabled Americans. The
historic legislation the President signed created a modern
Medicare system, providing seniors with prescription drug
benefits and more health care choices so they can find
the coverage that best meets their needs. It also makes
Medicare smarter and more efficient, by providing screenings
to diagnose and treat health problems before they cannot be
treated.
Today,
everyone with Medicare has access to
prescription drug coverage. If you enrolled in the new
program in 2005, coverage began on New Year’s Day. Seniors
who would like to have prescription drug coverage during 2006
should enroll in a plan by May 15, 2006. Prescription Drug
Plan premiums in North Carolina range from about $14 to $65
per month, depending on drugs covered, deductible payments,
and other considerations. Enrolling is voluntary, but if your
drug costs are considerable, joining a prescription drug plan
may cut your drug spending in half.
Seniors with low incomes are
eligible for extra help with their prescription drug costs.
To find out if you qualify, you may call 1-800-MEDICARE,
contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213,
or call the NC State Health Insurance Assistance Program at
1-800-443-9354.
Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans are
also available for seniors who are looking for additional
coverage that traditional Medicare may not cover. You may
find out more about MA plans in your Medicare & You booklet
that you should have received in the mail in 2005. If you’ve
misplaced the booklet, or need another copy, you may find it
at the following link:
http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf.
Medicare Advantage Plans may be a
good option for some Medicare beneficiaries, but please be
aware that many doctors and other healthcare providers in the
Charlotte area may not accept MA plans. Be sure to check with
your doctors before you consider one of this option.
To find out about this new program:
• Call
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
and ask about
“drug savings.” TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
• Look at
WWW.MEDICARE.GOV
on the web.
• Visit Sue's
Prescription Drug website.
• Contact the NC State Health
Insurance Assistance Program at 1-800-443-9354.
• Contact your local Seniors’
Health Insurance Information Program. In Mecklenburg County,
contact the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Center at 2225 Tyvola
Road in Charlotte. The phone number is 704-522-6222. In
Gaston County, call 704-922-2110. In
Union County, call the Council on Aging at 704-289-1797.
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