What is Medicare prescription drug
coverage?
Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that covers both brand-name
and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies in your area.
Medicare prescription drug coverage provides protection for people who have
very high
drug costs.
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Who can get Medicare prescription drug coverage?
Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income
and resources, health status, or current prescription expenses.
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When can I get Medicare prescription drug coverage?
You may sign up from November 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006. Your coverage
will start January 1, 2007. If you don't sign up when you are first eligible,
you
may pay a penalty. Your next opportunity to enroll will be from November 15,
2007 to December 31, 2007. Enrolling by December 8, 2006, can help ensure you
can use your coverage as soon as you need it after it starts.
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How does Medicare prescription drug coverage work?
Your decision about Medicare prescription drug coverage depends on the kind
of health care coverage you have now. There are two ways to get Medicare prescription
drug coverage. You can join a Medicare prescription drug plan or you can join
a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan that offers drug coverage.
Whatever plan you choose, Medicare drug coverage will help you by covering
brand-name and generic drugs at pharmacies that are convenient for you.
Like other insurance, if you join, generally you will pay a monthly premium,
which varies by plan, and a yearly deductible (between $0-$265 in 2007). You
will also pay a part of the cost of your prescriptions, including a copayment
or coinsurance. Costs will vary depending on which drug plan you choose. Some
plans may offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium.
If you have limited income and resources, and you qualify for extra help, you
may not have to pay a premium or deductible. You can apply or get more information
about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
or visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.
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Why should I get Medicare prescription drug coverage?
Medicare prescription drug coverage provides greater peace of mind by protecting
you from unexpected drug expenses. Even if you don't use a lot of prescription
drugs now, you should still consider joining. As we age, most people need prescription
drugs to stay healthy. For most people, joining now means protection from unexpected
prescription drug bills in the future.
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What if I have a limited income and resources?
There is extra help for people with limited income and resources. Almost 1
in 3 people with Medicare will qualify for extra help. Medicare will pay for
almost
all of their prescription drug costs. You can apply or get more information
about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
or visiting www.socialsecurity.gov.
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