Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
November 1, 2005

New Prescription Drug Plan Enrollment Underway

Enrollment is underway for new federal prescription drug plans that will save you money through Medicare, beginning January 1st, 2006.

These Medicare Part D plans are different from the Medicare-approved drug discount cards, which will expire by May 15th, 2006. Here’s brief rundown of what you should know to take advantage of the new plans.

Anyone with Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B is eligible to enroll regardless of age, income or health condition. Although this is a voluntary program, you still may want to consider joining a plan even if you don’t use many prescription drugs now. As we age, most people need prescription drugs to stay healthy. Due to the late-enrollment penalty fee, joining now means lower monthly premiums than if you wait to join later.

Insurers and other private companies will offer stand-alone prescription drug plans or plans that are coordinated with your current health insurance plans. You are probably being contacted about these plans now.

Medicare Part D prescription drug plans provide insurance coverage for prescription drugs. If you join, you will pay a monthly premium (generally around $35 in 2006) and pay a share of the cost of your prescriptions. The costs for each plan will vary depending on which drugs are covered.

If you are enrolled in Pennsylvania's prescription drug plan, PACE or PACENET, you will be receiving detailed information in the mail concerning how the program will work in conjunction with the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.

Here are a few tips to help you make the best choice: 

• Ask your pharmacy to give you a list of your current medications, including name, dose size, dosage frequency and monthly costs. Each drug plan could be different and you want to choose the plan that covers all or the most expensive medications.
• Use this information to compare your prescription drug needs with prescription drugs that are offered by the various plans. To make that comparison, you may call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit www.medicare.gov. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
• Consider such factors as: co-payment amounts; maximums; prior authorization requirements; and the monthly premiums.
• Medicare enrollees may contact Pennsylvania’s APPRISE insurance counseling service for free advice about whether to enroll in the Medicare Part D benefit, at 1-800-783-7067.

Don't feel pressured to sign-up right away with a plan.  You have a right to request information in the mail and review it at your convenience.  If someone tells you that you must sign-up right away, or demands a checking account number or credit card number, be suspicious about the company and its products.

Never believe anyone who claims to be from Medicare or any federal agency trying to sell you products or services, and never give your Medicare or Medicaid number to anyone for a "free" service.

If you are unsure whether a marketer is legitimate, contact the Pennsylvania Insurance Department at 717-787-2317 and press "4" to confirm that the person or business you have been contacted by is licensed to operate in the state.

I realize it may seem a bit complicated, but the benefits are certainly worth your time. Please use the above information and contacts, and don’t be intimidated by the process.

As always, if you have any further questions on this or any other state government matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office directly at (814) 453-2515.