Assemblyman Kolb
Medicare
Prescription
Drug Coverage
Update
from
ASSEMBLYMAN
Brian
 KOLB
607 West Washington Street • Suite 2
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 781-2030


NYS Seal

Dear Neighbors:

Starting in January 2006, Medicare Part D will provide prescription drug coverage to eligible individuals. This new plan will give beneficiaries more choices, so you can select a plan that offers the best coverage for the medicines you take.

Soon, you will begin to receive an abundance of information detailing all your options. Since this transition can be very confusing, I have compiled some important information for our senior citizens and interested residents. If you choose to participate in this program, consider your options soon. Open enrollment begins Nov. 15. If you do not enroll by May 15, 2006, you may have to pay higher premiums, or you may have to wait until November 2006 to enroll. This is only a fraction of the information available regarding this new program. Should you have additional questions, please refer to the contact numbers below, or call my district office.

As always, if there is any situation for which you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,
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Brian Kolb
Member of Assembly
129th District


What You Need to Know:

Individuals with Medicare:

  • All Medicare recipients are eligible for Part D prescription drug coverage.

  • Those enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid who do not choose a plan by Dec. 31, 2005 will be automatically enrolled in Part D; you must notify Medicare if you choose not to enroll in this new program.
Individuals with EPIC:

  • EPIC will continue to exist to benefit its recipients.

  • You are encouraged to consider the Medicare Part D plan. Many seniors may save more money by using the two plans together.

  • You may continue your coverage with EPIC if you decide to enroll in Part D.

  • EPIC may pay the 25 percent "initial benefit" (between $251 and $2,250) and the 5 percent of all remaining drug costs over $5,100.
Individuals with Employer or Union Drug Coverage:

  • Medicare is working with employers and unions to help keep your current coverage.

  • Contact your benefits administrator to decide whether you should keep your current coverage. You may be able to keep your current coverage and not pay a higher premium if you join a Medicare prescription drug plan later. If your current coverage is not as good as Medicare Part D, you must enroll by May 15, 2006.

  • If you join a Medicare prescription drug plan, you may not be able to revert to your former coverage.

  • You may qualify for extra help paying for prescriptions.
Individuals in Managed Care:

  • If you have drug coverage, you can stay in your plan and have Medicare prescription drug coverage.

  • If you do not have drug coverage, you can stay in your plan and add Medicare prescription drug coverage.
Individuals with Fee-for-Service and Medigap:

  • You won’t be able to buy new Medigap policies that cover prescription drugs after Jan. 1, 2006.

  • You can drop the prescription part of your policy and join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).

  • You can enroll in a PDP and still have Medigap without drug coverage.

  • Most Medigap coverage, on average, is not as good as medicare prescription drug coverage.
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Important Contact Information for Seniors
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(800) MEDICARE (633-4227)
www.medicare.gov

EPIC - (800) 332-3742

Assemblyman Brian Kolb
 607 West Washington Street
Suite 2
Geneva, NY 14456
(315) 781-2030


What is Medicare Part D?

  • Part D is an addition to Medicare that provides an outpatient prescription drug benefit starting Jan. 1, 2006

  • You can join from Nov. 15, 2005 - May 15, 2006

  • Individuals who don’t join by May 15, 2006 may have to wait until Nov. 15, 2006, and pay higher premiums

  • The program is voluntary, and you will not be penalized if you choose to keep your current coverage

  • The Medicare drug benefit will be available through private plans, including:
    • A stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP), or
    • AA Medicare private plan, like an HMO, PPO or PFFS (private fee-for-service)

  • Part D covers brand name and generic drugs.

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