QUESTION: How does the new Medicare prescription drug benefit apply to persons with disabilities?
After 40 years of providing dependable coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and life-saving surgeries, Medicare will now cover preventive screenings and offer dependable coverage for prescription drugs. The Medicare Modernization Act brings preventive medicine, better health care choices, and prescription drugs to every American receiving Medicare.
Coverage will begin on January 1, 2006 and will cover 85-100% of the cost of your medications.
If you are a person with a disability, receive Medicare, and want to take advantage of this new prescription drug benefit, please note the following information:
- Starting October 1st you should be receiving a handbook, Medicare and You, which will describe your plan options.
- Enrollment dates are November 15, 2005 through May 15, 2006.
- For more information, visit the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services' Medicare Modernization Act Web page.
