Confused? Medicare Part D costs explained
Medicare Part D confusion seems to be the rule rather the exception and it does not need to be that way way about how to pay for the plans. You are probably able to be qualified for the subsidies and you don’t it. Check out the rules.
DID YOU HEAR? Confused by Medicare Part D? Answers are available
By T&D Staff
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
For senior citizens already baffled by the federal government’s confusing Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit Program, the commonly given advice to check out information on the Internet doesn’t offer much help.
The Orangeburg County Council on Aging, however, will provide the necessary information, free of charge, for the non-computer savvy.
Sheryl Cartwright, the council’s director, says that people who want assistance or who have questions should contact her agency for an appointment.
“We’ll sit down with them. They need to bring a list of their medications,” she said. “We’ll put this information in … there are 40 to 60 different plans available in South Carolina … and it gives the one most cost-effective.”
Actually, several options will be given, considering deductibles and co-pay. The first one listed will be the most cost-effective.
So far, Cartwright says, about 25 people have taken advantage of the service. But, with a limited budget, Cartwright says her agency has not been able to do much advertising.
“As people are hearing about it, they’re coming forward,” she said.
For those who are computer literate, or who have assistance with computers at home, the Web site www.medicare.gov will also be of help.
“If someone can sit down with a parent, that will help a lot of people,” Cartwright said.
The new federal drug program kicks off Jan. 1, with the sign-up period ongoing until May 15.
According to the federal law, whoever does not sign up with a plan by May 15 will be penalized, Cartwright says.
“If they don’t, they’ll be penalized forever by a percentage of the premium,” she said. “This is crazy!”