Advantages of Part D Plans

Part D of the Medicare Health Plan offers great advantages to its members. This plan is fairly new and it offers excellent benefits to everyone that is in Medicare, regardless of their income. Part D has to do with the voluntary prescription drug benefits. This plan is for people who are eligible for Medicare Part A, or for people who are not eligible for Part A, but are eligible for the Part B of Medicare. However, You don't have to be in both of these plans to qualify for Part D.

Medicare Part D plans offer help to those people who are on a limited budget, and they offer assistance with the cost of prescription drugs. These plans may also provide convenient access to pharmacies and you'll often have the choice of plans that provides both the generic and brand name drugs you need most. Part D guarantees that Medicare beneficiaries who live in nursing homes will be able to take advantage of the prescription plan. Any beneficiary who has both Medicaid and Medicare benefits should be automatically enrolled in Part D.

Subsidies are also available to help low income families. This will reduce the cost sharing responsibilities. With Part D, the premium amounts can vary depending on the plan selected. Some Medicare beneficiaries will have deductibles and co-payments . For Individuals who are in a nursing homes or a facility for the mentally handicapped - and who receive both Medicaid and full Medicaid coverage - there should not be any out-of-pocket expenses.

Choosing Part D of the Medicare Health Plan is a very important decision. Once you are enrolled in the plan, you will probably need to wait until the next open enrollment period in order to change plans.

^*You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:

• 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;

  OR

• The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office.