15/Jan/2009
Medicare Part D: An Affordable Way to Save on Prescriptions
By John A. Stassi, II
As seniors continue to look for ways to reduce their living expenses during these challenging economic times, one affordable way to save money is through the new Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
Seniors and disabled citizens with access to Medicare are automatically eligible for Medicare Part D, which was created in January 2006 to offer a voluntary drug benefit for all Medicare recipients.
Just like other types of insurance, Medicare Part D provides insurance coverage for prescription drugs. Premiums for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans run anywhere from an initial deductible (the amount you pay before the benefit begins) to a $0 deductible that provides coverage from the moment you purchase your first prescriptions.
All seniors currently enrolled in the plan should do an annual comparison to see if there is a new plan or any changes that would help them to save more money. Most of the Council On Aging Centers and Area Agency On Aging sites have designated staff certified in Senior Health Insurance Information Program through the Louisiana Department of Insurance to provide assistance. Seniors should bring all medicine bottles and Medicare cards to the centers when wanting to compare plans.
A benefits chart listing deductibles, initial coverage limits and out-of-pocket spending as well as other pertinent information is available for each state at www.medicare-partd.com. An online comparison can also be done at www.medicare.gov
Seniors and caregivers in need of assistance with understanding the ins-and-outs of Medicare Part D can contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, or if they are a member of the CommCare Corporation’s Community Services Program (CSP) they can contact a CSP Representative who would be able to assist them. To reach a CSP Representative, contact Jamie Jones at jjones@commcare.com, Rose Waguespack at rwaguespack@commcare.com or visit www.commcare.com.
CommCare Corporation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which operates skilled nursing facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi and community mental health centers in Louisiana. For more information about CommCare Corporation, please visit www.commcare.com or call (504)324-8950.
By John A. Stassi, II
As seniors continue to look for ways to reduce their living expenses during these challenging economic times, one affordable way to save money is through the new Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
Seniors and disabled citizens with access to Medicare are automatically eligible for Medicare Part D, which was created in January 2006 to offer a voluntary drug benefit for all Medicare recipients.
Just like other types of insurance, Medicare Part D provides insurance coverage for prescription drugs. Premiums for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans run anywhere from an initial deductible (the amount you pay before the benefit begins) to a $0 deductible that provides coverage from the moment you purchase your first prescriptions.
All seniors currently enrolled in the plan should do an annual comparison to see if there is a new plan or any changes that would help them to save more money. Most of the Council On Aging Centers and Area Agency On Aging sites have designated staff certified in Senior Health Insurance Information Program through the Louisiana Department of Insurance to provide assistance. Seniors should bring all medicine bottles and Medicare cards to the centers when wanting to compare plans.
A benefits chart listing deductibles, initial coverage limits and out-of-pocket spending as well as other pertinent information is available for each state at www.medicare-partd.com. An online comparison can also be done at www.medicare.gov
Seniors and caregivers in need of assistance with understanding the ins-and-outs of Medicare Part D can contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE, or if they are a member of the CommCare Corporation’s Community Services Program (CSP) they can contact a CSP Representative who would be able to assist them. To reach a CSP Representative, contact Jamie Jones at jjones@commcare.com, Rose Waguespack at rwaguespack@commcare.com or visit www.commcare.com.
CommCare Corporation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which operates skilled nursing facilities in Louisiana and Mississippi and community mental health centers in Louisiana. For more information about CommCare Corporation, please visit www.commcare.com or call (504)324-8950.
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