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2007 deadline approaching for Medicare Part D enrollment
Medicare began offering a new prescription drug program Jan. 1, 2006, called Medicare Part D designed to save people who are eligible for Medicare money on their prescription drug costs. However, the number of plans from which to choose and details of the plans can be overwhelming. The Medicare prescription plan open enrollment period for 2007 began Nov. 15 and ends Dec. 31. Help is available for Medicare recipients during the open enrollment period for prescription coverage, which begins this week by calling GeorgiaCares at 478- 751-6489 or 1-800-633-4227. GeorgiaCares helps Medicare beneficiaries understand and use their Medicare insurance. Clients can receive assistance answering questions and applying for a Medicare Prescription Plan. A complete list of prescription medications, health insurance and Medicare card should be handy when the call is made. Seniors need to look at the prescription plans now to decide if they want to keep them because, after Jan. 1, 2007, they are locked in for another year. Georgia has 33 plans listed on the Medicare website, which when printed out is a 13-page document. The plans show company names, monthly premiums, According to a press release by GeorgiaCares, when searching for a Medicare Prescription Plan, there are a few tips given by the Federal Office of Inspector General and CMS to remember. There is no up-front fee to join a Medicare Prescription Plan, and participants need to make sure the drugs billed are received. Generally, enrollment in a new plan will automatically cancel membership in an existing plan. People with a modest income may be eligible for extra help in paying for Part D. If a senior is eligible for extra help, monthly premium fees, yearly deductible, and prescription copays, including the cost in the coverage gap, may be covered. More information is available on the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov, by clicking on Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans.
GeorgiaCares state health insurance assistance program is a free, unbiased counseling program provided by the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services. GeorgiaCares can also help answer questions about Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, long-term care insurance and other types of health insurance sold to people on Medicare.
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