Making Prescription Drugs Affordable
Medicare Part “D” – The Prescription Drug Benefit
Since the mid-1960s, Medicare has functioned as the national health insurance program for America’s older adults and certain disabled individuals. However, Medicare has never before offered prescription drug coverage…until now!
Beginning 01 January 2006, Medicare will launch new coverage for prescription drugs—a program called Part “D.” While Medicare will oversee the program, the actual prescription drug benefit will be administered through private companies. Though certain guidelines have been established for these companies to provide benefits, each company does have some control over its adminstration of the drug plans. For this reason, you will need to evaluate each plan available to you in order to determine which plan offers you the greatest benefit.
Things to Look For in a Plan:
For additional information on selecting a plan that is right for you, download Medicare’s publication Things to Think about when You Compare Medicare Drug Coverage (English PDF | Spanish PDF).
Medicare now allows you to compare all the options available to you in your area by visiting http://www.medicare.gov/MPPF/Include/DataSection/Questions/Welcome.asp. Here you can enter the state and county in which you reside and get specific information about plan availability.
Extra Help for Low-Income Individuals
Medicare Part “D” is set up so that those who may need help the most can get their prescriptions filled at a reduced out-of-pocket cost. Some beneficiaries may qualify for waived deductibles, waived premiums and/or reduced co-payment amounts.
If you have not received an application from the Social Security Administration or the Department of Health and Human Services but think that you might qualify for extra help, go to https://secure.ssa.gov/apps6z/i1020/main.html and fill out the on-line application.
Other Helpful Information
Medicare and You 2009 – provides an overview of the entire Medicare program, including the new Part “D” Prescription Drug Benefit (English PDF | Spanish PDF).
For additional information about Medicare Part “D,” see the Medicare publication "Your Guide to Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage" (English PDF | Spanish PDF).
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Cost Estimator Breakdown – Examples (PDF) – This document will help walk you through, step-by-step, determining your costs/savings under a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.
Saving Money on Medication: Where to look to start cutting costs (PDF) (HealthHints, Texas AgriLife Extension Service)
If you are unable to access the information on the Medicare website, you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance (TTY users call 1-877-486-2048). Also, in Texas, you may call your local Area Agency on Aging for assistance at 1-800-252-9240.
