Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan
Facts about Medicare’s New Coverage for Prescription Drugs
Starting January 1, 2006, Medicare offers prescription drug plans to help you pay for the prescriptions you need. If you don’t join a Medicare prescription drug plan by May 15, 2006, you will pay a higher premium unless you have drug coverage that, on average, is at least as good as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage (such as from a former employer or union). Your insurer will notify you before fall to let you know if your coverage, on average, is at least as good as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage.
What do I need to know?
How Medicare Plans Work
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are offered by insurance companies and other private companies approved by Medicare. They add coverage to:
- Original Medicare
- Some Medicare Cost Plans
- Some Medicare Private Fee-for-Service Plans and
- Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans
With a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan:
- Generally, you pay less for your prescriptions.
- You will get a plan member card after you enroll. You use this card when you go to the pharmacy to get your prescriptions filled.
- You will pay the copayment, coinsurance and/or deductable, if any.
If you have limited income and resources, you may get extra help to pay for your Medicare drug plan costs. If you want to compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, use the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder.
How can I get more information?
Detailed information is available now. You can look at the “Medicare & You 2010” handbook, which is accessible at http://www.medicare.gov on the web or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Also please check this web page for more updates.
Additionally, The Coalition of Voluntary Mental Health Agencies has launched a Medicare Part D Mental Health Provider Helpline. The phone number of the helpline is 212-742-1873. The Helpline will assist mental health providers in the New York metropolitan area, including Westchester County, who have questions about the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. The hours of operation for the helpline will be Tuesdays and Thursdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. The Helpline will be closed for one hour each day at around 1:00 PM.
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