You will be receiving booklets from Medicare titled, Medicare & You 2006 in October 2005.  I implore you to carefully review these packets in order to make an informed decision about your specific prescription drug needs. 

Even if you do not currently use a significant amount of prescription drugs, I encourage you to examine this program to prepare for unexpected changes in your current medical plan or medical needs.  The deadline is May 15, 2006 to enroll in the program.  Should you decide to enroll after the May deadline, for whatever reason, a penalty will be imposed.

Am I Eligible?

If you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B, you are eligible to enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan offered in your area.  If you are in a Medicare Advantage Plan, such as an HMO or PPO, you may also be eligible for prescription drug coverage. 

When Should I Enroll?

The enrollment period for the Medicare prescription drug plan is between November 15, 2005 and May 15, 2006.  If you join after December 31, 2005, your coverage will be effective on the first day of the month after you sign up. 

What Will I Have to Pay?

Medicare prescription drug plans will operate in similar fashion to most other kinds of insurance.  You will pay a monthly premium, as well as a yearly deductible.  The monthly premium will be approximately $35 in 2006 and the yearly deductible will be up to $250 in 2006.  You will also pay a co-payment or co-insurance as a part of the cost of your prescriptions.  Costs for co-payments will vary according to which drug plan you choose, as some plans may offer varying levels of coverage and their corresponding premiums will also vary accordingly. 

Need More Information?

The Medicare & You 2006 Handbook will list the plans that will be available in your area.  The handbooks also include information about various prescription drugs covered under the new plan. Additionally, the books list participating pharmacies in your area. 

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs' SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program provides seniors with information and health insurance counseling. Through their network of trained volunteer counselors, assistance will be provided regarding Medicare, Prescription Assistance, and a variety of other health insurance issues.  You may contact SHINE volunteers by calling 954-714-3464.

Another source of information is the Medicare website, www.medicare.gov.  You may also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for free, personalized information to help you choose a plan.

Helpful Hints

Various Medicare drug plan providers may start marketing their products October 1, 2005.  Drug plan providers may call your home about their plans.  They cannot ask you to pay for a plan over the phone.  Remember to protect your personal information (i.e. Social Security number, bank account number) and do not provide this information unless you are sure that the person you are speaking to is a legitimate Medicare provider. 

Make an itemized list of the medications that you regularly take and the pharmacies that you visit frequently.  This information can help you decide which plan will better fit your health needs by comparing the drugs that will be available to you.  Take your time and make sure you are comfortable with your decision. You can only change plans once a year, unless you move to another area.

In an effort to provide you with the most accurate information possible, I have been working with representatives from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs S.H.I.N.E. program, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and the Social Security Administration.  I ask to you to please join me and these experts at my Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, November 15th from 10:00am -11:30am at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center located at 5850 S. Pine Island Road in the Town of Davie.  We will also be discussing this most important issue at the Concerned Citizens of Northeast Dade meeting on Monday, November 28^th from 12noon -1:30pm at the Newport Beach Resort located at 16701 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach.

Although I have deep concerns about the adequacy of this prescription drug plan, it is the one we must live with for now.  Please take the time to become informed regarding your options.  I am always grateful for the input of my constituents.  Your questions, thoughts, and concerns are important to me. Please do not hesitate to let me know about this or any other issues you believe to be significant or problems. 

Please feel free to contact my offices in Broward 954-437-3936, in Miami-Dade at 305-936-5724 or in Washington, D.C at 202-225-7931.

Thank you!