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Medicare D – Episode two
By Margie Ware, SHINE
Director
In our last month's installment, we learned that there was such a thing as Medicare D, a new Federal prescription drug benefit that will begin January 1, 2006. Many Medicare beneficiaries, including those 65 and older, and disabled beneficiaries under 65, will want to choose a prescription drug program that fits their needs. What can they do to get ready for this change?
First, it’s important to read your mail! If you’re like the rest of us, you toss half the stuff that comes in because you think you already know what it is. Or, you think it will just confuse you. Or, you don’t want to deal with it. Trust me, this is one time when you should scrutinize your mail closely. It may mean dollars in your pocket!
If you receive mail from Social Security, MassHealth, Prescription Advantage, Medicare or Elder Services, please open it and read it! If you don’t understand what it says, please call Elder Services at 800-544-5242 or 413-499-0524 and ask for assistance. Your local Council on Aging can also provide assistance in deciphering official pronouncements.
Social Security will be sending a number of people applications for extra financial assistance with their Medicare Part D premium. The mailings are staggered, and will arrive between the end of May and the middle of August. Elder Services knows the schedule of the mailings, which is determined by the last two digits of an individual’s Social Security number. If you believe you should have received an application, please call us and ask us for one. SHINE Volunteers and Elder Services staff can screen elders who believe they might qualify for help paying for their premiums and make sure they apply for the assistance.
MassHealth will be notifying Medicare beneficiaries that their prescription drug needs will now be covered by Medicare. All other aspects of their MassHealth coverage will remain the same. “Dual eligibles” (the term for individuals who qualify for both MassHealth and Medicare) will be automatically enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug program.
Prescription Advantage (PA) members will receive a mailing telling them about the changes that are coming nationally in the provision of prescription drug coverage for elders. PA members must enroll in a Part D program to remain on Prescription Advantage. The state program will supplement the Federal Part D program and act as a “wrap around.” This is the aspect of the program about which we now have the fewest details. However, PA members need to know that they should be attending outreach events in the fall in their communities which will describe the range of options that they have.
Elder Services will be notifying the press and public of outreach events all over Berkshire County that will help elders understand the basics of the new Medicare D program. This spring and summer we will be partnering with the Social Security Administration to reach out to low and moderate-income elders who may qualify for financial assistance. (See list above of outreach events scheduled for June.) In the fall we will host another series of events to help elders enroll in an appropriate program.
Change Is Coming! Are you ready for it? We’re here to help.