Show #311 Airing Sunday, 9/11/05
Question: What is Medicare’s new prescription drug program?
Answer: Historically, Medicare has not covered prescription Medication (though Medicaid does). However, starting in January 2006, Medicare will offer coverage of both generic and brand name prescription medications.
Question: Who is eligible?
Answer: All those with Medicare part A (hospital coverage) or part B (coverage for physicians, labs, and outpatient procedures) will be eligible. However, you are not automatically put into the drug program. You must enroll.
There will be extra help for those with low income.
Question: How much will it cost?
Answer: It appears that the premium in Ohio will be about $35 per month . There will also be a $250 deductible. After that, you will pay part of the cost (co-payment/co-insurance). The amount will differ depending on the plan you choose.
Question: Are those prescription drug cards void?
Answer: Yes, they will be. This replaces the cards.
Question: When can we sign up?
Answer: The plan goes into effect in January 2006; however, sign-up begins on November 15, 2005 and continues until May 15, 2006. If you want coverage starting in January, you must enroll by December 31, 2005. If you don’t sign up by May 15, you will have to pay a higher premium.
You may have already received forms to enroll in the mail the Social Security office. If you have not, you can call your local Social Security office to get them, or call Medicare.
Question: What drugs are covered?
Answer: Medicare is contracting with a number of private drug companies. Many different plans/options will be available in Ohio , and different drugs may be covered under each option.
You’ll have to match your prescriptions up with the plans to see which will give you the best coverage for the drugs you need.
When the ball drops in Times Square at midnight, December 31st, it will not only ring in the start of a new year. It also will mark the beginning of the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program. Dr. Alice Petrulis, medical director of Ohio KePRO and a person who never drops the ball, is here to give us a preview.
Sign-ups for the new prescription drug benefits start soon. The program is complicated. To learn more, give Ohio KePRO a call. They’ll send you this helpful brochure, “Introducing Medicare’s New Coverage for Prescription Drugs.” And guess what? The brochure is free...there are no premiums, co-pays or deductibles.
