Answers available to questions about Medicare Part D

Local senior citizens don't have to be confused when choosing their Medicare Part D plans.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) representative Natalie Myers, a health insurance specialist for Drug Benefit Policy, said that Medicare's annual enrollment period for prescription drug plans runs from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31.

During this time, Myers encourages all seniors who participate in Medicare to compare coverage plans. Even if seniors are happy with their current coverage, Myers said that they still need to compare plans because plans change and the beneficiaries' needs change.

According to a written statement provided by Myers' office, Part D is a program that is working well and is helping Medicare beneficiaries with their prescription drug costs.

"More than 90 percent of beneficiaries in a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan will have access to at least one plan in 2008 with premiums lower than they are paying this year," the statement said.

In order to keep senior citizens from becoming too overwhelmed when making prescription drug coverage decisions, an online tool has been created to assist seniors in this important decision. By visiting www.medicare.gov, senior citizens can view and compare prescription drug plans. This online tool can help seniors find the best plans for their needs.

For those who do not have access to the Internet, senior citizens can call (800)- MEDICARE to speak with a representative who will discuss the plans with the seniors, Myers said.

Myers said several factors should be considered when comparing prescription drug coverage. The first factor that seniors should be aware of is the cost. The amount of the premium, which is the monthly cost the senior must pay in order to join the Medicare drug plan, can vary with each plan. The deductible, which is the amount that is paid for each prescription before the Medicare drug plan will begin to share in the cost, will also vary in cost depending on the individual plan. Some plans do not have deductibles, and no deductible can be more than $265 in 2007. The plan's co-payment costs, which are the amounts paid for prescriptions after the deductible has been met, play an important factor when a person is choosing drug coverage. Some drug-coverage plans have set co-pays, while others have co-pays which change depending on what type of drug is being purchased.

Another important factor to consider when comparing plans is the type of coverage of each individual plan. It is important to find out what types of drugs are covered with each plan.

Convenience can play a big role in the chosen drug plan. Seniors should make sure that their local pharmacy contracts with the plan that they have. Also, some drug plans may offer mail-order services which will allow seniors to have drugs sent directly to their homes.

Even for seniors who do not require many prescription drugs, a written statement provided by Myers encourages all seniors to sign up for a prescription drug plan.

"As we age, most people need prescription drugs to stay healthy. Joining gives you peace of mind knowing you have coverage if your drug needs change," the statement said.

Myers said that a big problem with prescription drug coverage is that some senior citizens are unable to afford the coverage due to fixed incomes. For these low-income seniors, help does exist. According to a written document provided by Myers, seniors who have limited incomes and resources may qualify for extra help.

"If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for 'extra help' (low income subsidy) to pay your prescription drug costs. Call Social Security at (800) 772-1213. Ask for form SSA-1020 to find out if you qualify for extra help paying your prescription drug costs. TTY users should call (800) 325-0778," the document said.

There are about 3,025 Medicare beneficiaries in Bourbon County. About 225 of these by income data still might qualify for the low-income subsidy or extra help, but have not applied, the document said.

In an effort to assist as many seniors as possible, the 2007 Medicare bus tour is touring 180 cities across the country from Oct. 2 through Dec. 31. This bus tour will feature educational materials that are easy to understand and are geared toward certain minority groups. The bus tour will arrive in Joplin, Mo. on Dec. 11 at Freeman Health System, 1102 W. 32nd Street, Joplin, Mo. The event will run from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. Senior citizens who attend the event will have a chance to visit with a Medicare counselor who can help seniors compare drug plans and find the best one for each senior. Senior citizens who wish to utilize this program should bring their Medicare card and prescriptions. They should be able to provide information about dosages, frequencies, the pharmacy that they get their medications from, and their zip code for a personalized comparison search of the prescription drug plans available to them in their area.

Flu shots will also be available at the event in addition to other health screening services.

For more information about the Medicare Plan D, contact a Medicare representative at (800) 633-4227.