Medicare tips to ring in the New Year
Patty Berg
Article Launched: 12/20/2007 05:29:08 AM PST
Medicare recipients have until Dec. 31 to change Medicare prescription drug plans. I urge you to ring in the New Year by making an informed choice, one that is best for you.
Of course, finding the best plan can be confusing and frustrating. By itself, California has 56 stand-alone prescription drug plans available in 2008. In addition, many Californians can also choose from a variety of HMO options that include both medical and prescription drug coverage called Medicare Advantage plans.
The availability of Medicare Advantage plans varies by the county you live in. Some counties have many options, others have only a few.
Luckily, there are a few things that you can do to make the best choice. When choosing a new plan, consider the plan's coverage, convenience and cost. Ask yourself: Are your current drugs covered on the plan's drug list? Does the plan limit or restrict your drug use? Can you obtain drugs from a nearby drugstore or through the mail? How much will you have to pay during the year?
Keep in mind, some prescription drug plans will not only change the drugs that they cover, but also the overall cost of the plan, including your monthly premium, the deductible, co-payments and the coverage of gap costs.
You don't have to navigate the maze of plans, formularies, premiums and co-pays alone. Talk to your doctor, your pharmacist and your family and friends if you need help. You can also call your local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-434-0222 for guidance. HICAP offers trained benefit counselors to help you make an informed decision. The service is completely free.
As you sort through your options, remember:
* The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program can help you compare and find local drug plans. Call 1-800-434-0222 or visit the website, http://www.CalMedicare.org.
* Medicare can answer questions on your current drug plan and how to change plans. Call 1-800-633-4227 or visit their website, http://www.MyMedicare.gov.
* The National Council on Aging offers a step-by-step web guide that fully and simply explains the process of enrolling in Medicare Part D and how to choose a plan. Visit the website, http://www.MyMedicareMatters.org.
* The Medicare Rights Center, a nationwide independent source of health care information for people with Medicare, can provide you with any information. Please call 1-800-333-4114 or visit their website, http://www.MedicareRights.org.
One last word of caution. Whenever we have a program like Medicare Part D that helps people, it is unavoidable that the program will attract swindlers. Medicare fraud costs billions of dollars every year. It can cost you higher Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-payments. So please follow this golden rule: Never, ever give out your personal information such as your Medicare number, credit card or bank account number or your Social Security number over the phone.
Some charlatans will even offer the promise of free services, supplies, free food items or any housekeeping services in return for your Medicare number. Do not trust them. If it sounds too good to be true, it's probably a scam. If you suspect any fraud, please call your local HICAP office at 1-800-434-0222.
I hope these tips will help you ring in the New Year with a better drug plan. Growing old isn't always for the faint-hearted, but with quality health care and prescription drug coverage, we can all live healthier and longer lives. Take charge of your own health and may 2008 be the best year yet.
Assemblywoman Patty Berg, D-Eureka, chairs the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-term Care. She also joined the ranks of Medicare this year.
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