Medicare Part D is the new prescription drug coverage program that offers coverage for most prescriptions, both generic and name brand. Medicare is a notoriously confusing system, even to the health care provider, but the confusion surrounding the Medicare Part D Plan is even worse. Many are dismayed and confused by the seeming lack of effort from our government officials to clarify and explain enrollment procedure. However, though the May 15 deadline for obtaining Medicare Part D has passed, it is important that you not lose faith; there is talk about extending the deadline and there are ways to ensure that you can enroll without paying more than those who signed up early. Here are some important tips and bits of information you should know about Medicare and, more specifically, Medicare Part D:
- In order to be eligible for Medicare Part D, one must first have both Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Medicare Part A is the hospital insurance that typically pays for inpatient care and, if needed, a skilled nursing facility (if you were recently in the hospital).
- Medicare Part B is the insurance that covers you when you see your physician or health care provider.
- For both of the aforementioned programs, there are premiums as well as deductibles. These vary based upon whether or not you have other health insurance coverage, and can also vary over time.
- Literally hundreds of companies offer programs for this portion of Medicare. Before you make any decision with respect to enrollment, it is best to first call Medicare at 1-800-663-4227.
- If you have not yet enrolled and you find that companies are asking for additional fees, don't buy into this scam! The companies that are asking you to call them to get Medicare Part D may not always have you best interests in mind; these companies are in the business to make money from you.
If you choose to call one of the many companies offering Medicare Prescription coverage (Medicare Part D), you will be talking with a representative of that company. It's a jungle out there and these people will not help you cut through the thicket to see what's best for you. Because the deadline has passed, the additional fees that one must pay could be different from one company to the next. While they are just doing their jobs, company representatives are not looking out for you.
Therefore, before you decide to pick up the phone and call one of the many companies that are using clever sales methods, contact your Medicare office first. You could save time and money! These people are trained to help you decide which plan is best for you, given all you have to offer. The personnel at Medicare will assist you in comparing the prices of the many companies, provide information about them with respect to their hidden fees, and generally look out for your best interest. To save money and prevent potential heartache, it's best to contact Medicare as opposed to choosing one of the several companies that are marketing their own plans on television and other media.
- The "jury is still out" as to whether the government is going to extend the enrollment date.
- If you are good with the Internet, go to http://www.medicare.gov. This site will direct you to as much information you will need. Taken directly from the site, the following information was available: "If you join after May 15, 2006, the next open enrollment period is November 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006. However, coverage for people who enroll during this period will not take effect until January 1, 2007." How can you change this? There are a lot of people who have not yet enrolled -- consider voicing your opinion to your own congressperson to effect positive change.
- There are no secrets about this program: as long as you have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, you can enroll in Medicare Part D. Don't call one of the many companies offering coverage now! Get in touch with Medicare.
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