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MEDICARE PART 'D' COMING SOON
Tuesday, June 21st, 2005 -- 6:31 am
Posted by Riley Hebert-News Director
The Clark County Office on Aging is educating people on the potential benefits of Medicare Part D. The new prescription drug benefit for those eligible for Medicare will go in affect on January 1st, 2006.
Benefits specialist Bonnie Langreck explains the state’s SeniorCare drug benefit program is still the best option for those eligible, but its future is somewhat in question. It exists thanks to a waiver from the federal government. Some speculate that waiver may be discontinued now that the feds are offering a prescription drug benefit of their own.
If SeniorCare is nixed, Langreck says says Medicare Part D – a completely voluntary program - will lead to savings.
"You will be assessed a premium between $35 and $38 a month, you then have to satisfy a $250 deductible - once you have paid that, you will pay 25-percent," Langreck explains.
Those eligible should expect letters in the mail concerning the program. Langreck’s office is sending out preliminary information advising people that Medicare Part D is coming, that it is a voluntary program, that drug costs will not be taken from their Social Security check and that some people may be eligible for a low-income subsidy.
The sign-up period for Medicare Part D is November 2005 through May 2006. If you’d like more information, you can call the Clark County Office on Aging at 743-5144.
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