Medicare s New Drug Benefit Worth The Effort By Tom Paul Chief Pharmacy Officer of Ovations a UnitedHealth Group company
Below is a MRR and PLR article in category Health Fitness -> subcategory Medicine.
Medicare's New Drug Benefit: Why It's Worth the Effort
By Tom Paul, Chief Pharmacy Officer of Ovations, a UnitedHealth Group Company
Introduction
Medicare's new prescription drug coverage, "Part D," offers significant savings, allowing you to pay as little as $5 for many medications. Although understanding this new program can be daunting, following these steps can simplify the process.
Step 1: Seek Assistance
- Connect with Others: Engage with fellow seniors who have experienced the process. Many have found the effort to learn and enroll in Part D beneficial.
- Attend Community Meetings: Take advantage of local events designed to help you understand and sign up for the program. Check with the AARP, senior centers, libraries, or your health insurer for educational opportunities.
Step 2: Educate Yourself
- Research Available Plans: Use resources like libraries and the "Medicare & You" handbook. Contact available plans using the toll-free numbers provided.
- Seek Extra Help: If you might qualify for additional assistance, contact 1-800-MEDICARE or your State Medicaid Office. For TTY/TDD users, call the respective numbers provided.
- Utilize Online Resources: Access information on Medicare's website, including a plan comparison tool. Useful sites include AARP’s and Medicare Rx Info Source.
- Support for Caregivers: Visit sites like Part D Central or Family Caregiving 101 for caregiver-specific guidance.
Step 3: Enroll in the Plan
- Confirmation of Coverage: After enrolling, your Medicare or health plan’s confirmation letter temporarily serves as proof of coverage. This, along with your ID cards, allows prescription refills until your official ID card arrives.
- Contact for Assistance: If you're on Medicaid and haven't received enrollment details, reach out to 1-800-MEDICARE or your State Medicaid Office.
- Timely Enrollment: Enroll before the 15th of the month to ensure your information is updated in pharmacy systems by the start of the next month.
- Evaluate Existing Coverage: If you have a Medicare Supplement plan, contact the provider to explore potential savings under Part D.
Conclusion
If you're eligible for Medicare, enrolling before the May 15 deadline will help you avoid late fees. While the enrollment process might seem challenging, participating in a Part D plan can lead to significant cost savings and ensure you have access to necessary medications now and in the future.
Tom Paul
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