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Shine Answers
Information to reduce confusion about new Medicare bill
From the volume of calls we have been receiving, we know there are many unanswered questions about the new Medicare Reform Bill. The following article is based on information from the Medicare website and obtained through collaboration with Councils on Aging and SHINE programs.
Last year, Congress passed a major Medicare bill that includes a prescription drug benefit. It is a complicated piece of legislation, and since it was passed quickly, many details still need clarification. Beginning in 2004, all Medicare beneficiaries (except those enrolled in MassHealth) will be eligible to select a Medicare-endorsed drug discount card offered by private companies that can charge up to $30 annually. This card will give access to negotiated prices and some level of discount. There will be an annual subsidy of $600 for low-income individuals.
The standard benefit will not start until 2006. We anticipate there will be many changes before the new law goes into effect. Since the new plan doesn’t start until 2006, we have plenty of time to learn about it. In the meantime, here are some questions and answers about the federal drug discount plan which will start in the spring of 2004:
Q. What are Prescription Drug Discount Cards in the new law?
A. The Prescription Drug Discount Cards are intended to help you save on prescription drugs. Medicare will contract with private companies to offer new drug discount cards until a Medicare prescription drug benefit starts in 2006. Companies who sponsor a discount card and meet Medicare’s standards will have a “Medicare-approved” seal on their discount card.
Q. I have Medicare and Medicaid. Can I get a Medicare-approved prescription drug discount card?
A. Almost everyone with Medicare can choose to join a Medicare-approved prescription drug discount card. However, if you have outpatient drug coverage through Medicaid (MassHealth), you can’t enroll.
Q. I have Medicare and a Medigap policy. Can I get a Medicare-approved prescription drug discount card, and how will it affect my Medigap?
A. Yes, you can choose to enroll in a Medicare-approved prescription drug discount card even if you have a Medigap policy. You can keep both the discount card and your Medigap policy. The discounts and Medigap coverage will work together, and your Medigap coverage won’t be affected.
Q. If I am enrolled in Prescription Advantage, can I still apply for the Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card?
A. Yes, because the Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card is not coverage, it is a prescription discount.
Q. Where can I go for the latest, official information about changes in Medicare?
A. For up-to-date information and answers to other questions, call
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov on the web.
Q. Who can answer questions about my current health insurance?
A.
For more information
regarding your health insurance options or to schedule an appointment with a
S.H.I.N.E. counselor, call Elder Services at 499-0524 or
1-800-544-5242.