Medicare Part D

Prescription Drug Coverage

I’m sure you’ve been bombarded with information regarding this complex plan. I’m hoping the following information will help you make sense of your particular situation within the new Medicare Part D drug plan.

Enrollment and Coverage

You may sign up for enrollment when you first become eligible for Medicare (three months before the month you turn age 65 until three months after you turn age 65). If you get Medicare due to a disability, you can join from three months before to three months after your 25th month of cash disability payments. If you don't sign up when you are first eligible, you may pay a penalty. If you didn't join when you were first eligible, your next opportunity to join will be from November 15, 2008 to December 31, 2008 in order to have your coverage begin January 1, 2009.

Eligibility

Do you currently have Medicare? If yes, then you are eligible for Part D. If you are not currently enrolled in Medicare, then you are not eligible for Part D.

Costs

This is where it can get confusing. Each plan has its own premium, deductible and co-payment scale. In South Carolina, there are 45 different plans to choose from, so you can find the medicines you need with a cost that works best for you and your budget. You should have received information on all available plans in the mail. If not, please call 1-800-MEDICARE

There is also extra help for people with limited income and resources. If you qualify for extra help, Medicare will pay for almost all of your prescription drug costs. You can apply or get more information about the extra help by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting the U.S. Social Security Administration on the web.

Help

From sorting through the basic information to finding the right plan for you and enrolling, there are many places you can go for help as you sort through this decision.

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