Resource Center
Medicare
Starting today seniors will have the opportunity to choose a Medicare prescription drug plan. You may recall that I opposed the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003 that created the Medicare prescription drug plans because it created a program that failed to address the rising costs of prescription drugs and created a plan that is confusing for many seniors to understand. However, I understand that Medicare prescription drug plans are the only option available to many seniors to offset the cost of their prescriptions and they will provide extra benefits for seniors with limited means.
At the beginning of October the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that more than 40 prescription drug plans would be offered by private companies. Since that time, my office has been contacted by Iowa seniors and their families with questions about the Medicare prescription drug plans. In order to help Iowa seniors better understand the many choices they are facing in choosing a prescription drug plan, I have created a pamphlet which you can access on the link provided below. This pamphlet provides information on the plan options available to seniors, answers many common questions, and provides contact information for groups trained to answer individual questions.
Medicare Pamphlet
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It is my hope that the pamphlet will be helpful in answering some of the initial questions seniors and their families face while choosing the best prescription drug plan. However, if you have additional questions, I urge you to contact one of my offices in Iowa or one of the organizations included in the link below.
SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program)
SHIIP is a program available through the Iowa Insurance Division that offers free information on health insurance for Iowa's seniors. SHIIP maintains a web of volunteers in 75 Iowa counties to answer questions regarding health insurance and Medicare, including prescription drug plans.
Website: www.shiip.state.ia.us
Phone: 1-800-351-4664
MEDICARE
There are many helpful resources available at the website maintained by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). On this site you can learn more about the prescription drug plans, access the most frequently asked questions, compare plans, and learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans.
Website: www.medicare.gov
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
SOCIAL SECURITY
Certain Medicare beneficiaries, those with low incomes and limited assets, will be eligible for additional financial assistance to pay for the premiums, deductible, and co-payments in the prescription drug plans. If you, or someone you know, may be eligible for this extra help, Social Security can provide you with an application. The application is available over the phone or on the internet.
Website: www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
OPERATION RESTORE TRUST
If you feel that a company contacting you regarding a potential Medicare Drug Benefit may be attempting to defraud you, you can report this to Operation Restore Trust (ORT). ORT compiles information regarding Medicare scams and in cases where fraud has occurred, will work with Medicare make sure a debt is repaid.
Website: www.stopmedicarescams.org
Phone: 1-800-423-2449
MEDICARE RIGHTS CENTER
Medicare Rights Center is a national organization engaged in education and advocacy on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries. On this site you can find Medicare Drug Coverage 101, a comprehensive question and answer page on the prescription drug plans.
Website: www.medicarerights.org
