11/28/2005: "New Medicare Rx Coverage Available"

Now is the time to sign up for a new Medicare program that will start on January 1, 2006. New Medicare Prescription drug plans will be available for all people on Medicare. The following information is meant hopefully to give you a thumbnail sketch. and is not an in depth description by any means.

Most people have some type of other insurance sometimes called Medigap or Medicare supplemental insurance. There are other forms of coverage, for example: employer plans, retired Military (Tricare for Life), managed care, Private Fee for service, Preferred Provider Organizations and for the lower income Medicaid, sometimes with something called a spend down.

Prescriptions have been a long sought after coverage for those on Medicare. Starting in January of 2006 the Medicare prescription drug plans, also known as Part D, will be open to ALL people on Medicare, 65 and over or under 65 and on Social Security Disability Medicare.

The MOST important phase of this Medicare prescription drug coverage is going on right now. This phase is getting people who may be eligible enrolled in the Low Income Subsidy or EXTRA Help in paying for the plan and prescription drugs.

For all people who have Medicare, Medicaid, or the state pays the Part B Medicare premiums ($78.20/month), you are already enrolled to get help with paying for your medications or what is called the Low Income Subsidy (LIS). All other folks with incomes under $14,344 (single) $19,245 (married) and with assets no more than $11.500 (single) or $23,000 (married) may also qualify for the LIS. Get an application and "IF IN DOUBT, FILL IT OUT!" Where can you get an application? You can go on line to http://www.medicare.gov/ and fill one out on line or contact your local DSHS, Social Security or SHIBA HelpLine office.

Enrollment is voluntary, but if you wish to enroll, you must apply.the open enrollment period is open now until May 15, or 2006. There will be presentations in your local area to help you understand what plans are available, what they cover, how much the cost, how to enroll etc. Those with employer type plans will be getting letters from those plans regarding what they already have and if that plan is equal to the Part D plan. SAVE that letter for future reference! You can keep what you have and if you want to switch to Part D later you can with no penalty, as long as you have that letter. If you enroll in a plan before the end of 2005, your plan will begin Jan 1, 2006

Contact your local SHIBA HelpLine for other information at the following numbers: Call 1-800-562-6900 to be connected with your local SHIBA HelpLine office, San Juan Islands 360-468-3185 ext 4212. You may need to leave a message.

SHIBA HelpLine (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) is a free, confidential, impartial counseling resource sponsored by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Extensively trained volunteer advisors help consumers of all ages understand their rights and options, and offer up-to-date information on private health insurance, public programs, prescription assistance, and other topics. They answer questions, make referrals, provide information on companies, help evaluate and compare policies, assist with billings and appeals, make public presentations, and more.