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Seniors reminded of Dec. 31 Medicare Rx coverage deadline The Medicare Rx Access Network of Alabama is urging Medicare beneficiaries to avoid lastminute decisions about their 2007 Medicare prescription drug coverage. Although the open-enrollment deadline for Medicare Part D coverage is Dec. 31, taking action as soon as possible - the sooner the better - will allow time for processing and avoid any inconvenience at the pharmacy counter at the beginning of the year. Seniors wishing to change Medicare prescription drug plans or sign up with a plan for the first time should do so as soon as possible before the Dec. 31 deadline. Beneficiaries who are satisfied with their existing Part D plan don't have to do anything. However, the Medicare Rx Access Network of Alabama recommends that seniors reevaluate their current coverage to make sure it continues to meet their prescription drug needs. No matter what one's health status, Medicare prescription drug coverage provides beneficiaries with peace of mind now - and in the future. When considering different plans, the Medicare Rx Access Network of Alabama suggests that people know their “three C's”: Coverage - Does the plan cover your medicines? Does the plan have a coverage gap? Do you need more comprehensive coverage in 2007? Cost - What is a plan's monthly premium? Does the plan have a deductible? How does the plan handle co-payments? Convenience - Is your local pharmacy in the plan's network? Does the plan have a mail-order option? For 2007, beneficiaries in most states have about 15 choices of plans that fully or partially fill the coverage gap, up from an average of six plans this year. Next year, the gap will kick in when a patient's total drug costs (including the plan's cost and the beneficiary's cost, but not the premium cost) reach $2,400. “The vast majority of Medicare beneficiaries don't spend enough on prescription drugs to reach the gap,” notes Bob Lochamy of the Medicare Rx Access Network of Alabama. “So know your annual drug costs when considering a plan.” For help addressing the “three C's” and estimating annual drug costs, seniors can turn to Medicare's prescription drug plan finder, available at www.medicare.gov. Beneficiaries also can speak with counselors at 1-800-MEDICARE or by calling Alabama Ageline at 1-800-243-5463. Additional assistance also is available to lowincome seniors who have trouble affording their out-of-pocket prescription drug costs. According to federal health officials, over three million Medicare beneficiaries nationwide were eligible for the low-income subsidy this year but didn't apply. They still have until the end of the year to do so.
For information, beneficiaries can visit their local Social Security office or call 1-800-772- 1213.
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