What is Medicare Part D?

• The new part of Medicare that includes a prescription drug benefit.
• The prescription drug benefit begins on January 1, 2006.

Will I automatically be enrolled in Medicare Part D?

• No.  Enrollment in Medicare Part D is voluntary, and in most cases you will need to apply for the benefit.

When does enrollment in Part D begin?

• This is still being finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS), but it appears enrollment will begin on November 15, 2005.

How do I enroll?

• The process is being finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), but it appears the Minnesota Department of Human Services and local Social Security offices will handle enrollment for the Part D prescription drug benefit.

How will I receive my Part D prescription drug benefits?

• Beginning January 1, 2006, people with Medicare will receive their Part D benefits by enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan OR enrolling in a private Prescription Drug Plan. Much more about these options will be known in 2005.

What will be my cost for Part D?

Costs may vary depending on the type of plan chosen as well as your income, but generally you will pay the following:

• $35 per month premium

• $250 annual deductible

• 25% of your prescription drug costs between $250 and $2,250(annual amount)

• 100% of your prescription drug costs between $2,250 and $5,100 (annual amount)

• For prescription drug costs over $5,100, pay either a $2 or $5 copayment or 5% coinsurance (annual amount)

Where can I go for assistance with understanding the Part D benefit?

Call at 1-800-333-2433. This is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for all Minnesotans with Medicare as designated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Free help is available by phone or in person. RxConnect™ is a service of the Minnesota Board on Aging and its designated Area Agencies on Aging who operate the Senior LinkAge Line®.

  Calculate out of pocket costs under the Medicare Part D benefit coming in 2006

The Lewin Group has developed a web-based tool to estimate out of pocket costs under the new benefit for people with Medicare currently lacking prescription drug coverage. The calculator tool takes into account the benefit structure, differences in income, and savings stemming from discounts not currently available to people with Medicare purchasing drugs at retail prices.