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Medicare Part D Information For People with
Medicare Part A and/or Part B Benefits?
   

• Understanding Medicare Part D

• Standard Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit

• Enrolling In A Prescription Drug Plan

• Sources of Additional Help
   

Understanding Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is a new prescription drug plan created by the Medicare
Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003. Medicare
Part D starts on January 1, 2006. For additional information, please click
either of the following links:

Tips and Tools for People with Medicare and Those Who Care for Them
Introducing Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs
 

Standard Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit

Medicare beneficiaries will have access to prescription drug coverage through
private plans. Under the standard benefit design, beneficiaries who enroll in a
Medicare drug plan will pay a monthly premium, annual deductible, and
co-payments for their prescription drugs.

In 2006:

• The monthly premium for the standard drug benefit is estimated to average
  $32, but this amount will vary across plans;

• The annual deductible is $250;
   

• In addition, beneficiaries will pay percentages of their yearly drugs costs
  after they meet the $250 deductible; and,

• Co-pay amounts vary by plan choice and by generic vs. brand name prescriptions.

Learn How the Medicare Part D Plan Works by clicking here

 

Enrolling In A Prescription Drug Plan

Enrollment in a Medicare Part D drug plan is voluntary for most beneficiaries.
However, unless beneficiaries have drug coverage at least as good as the standard
Medicare drug benefit (known as “creditable coverage”), those who join a plan after
the initial eligibility enrollment period (November 15, 2005 – May 15, 2006) will
pay a penalty equal to 1% of the average monthly premium for each month they
delayed enrollment for as long as they are enrolled in a Medicare drug plan. Starting
November 15, 2005, you can enroll in three ways:

• Enroll online by clicking here

• Call the plan directly

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE and Medicare will help you enroll

Information on how to choose the right plan for you can be found by clicking here.
Plan choices and cost/premium amounts for Rhode Island can be found by clicking here.
 

Sources of Additional Help

You can get additional information about Medicare Part D from the following places:

• By calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227

• By visiting your local senior center; or

• By visiting your local pharmacy

The following websites are also available:

• Medicare Website

• RI Department of Elderly Affairs

• Also, please visit the following links:

  • Introducing Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

  • Things to Think about when You Compare Plans