There has been a lot of talk lately about Medicare and the new prescription drug benefit. For the first time ever, Medicare beneficiaries are eligible to receive prescription drug coverage under Medicare Part D. Enrollment began in November 2005 and runs through May 2006.
To get the best price on your coverage and begin receiving benefits, you must register by May 15, 2006. However, the faster you register, the sooner you will start saving money on prescription drug costs.
To begin the enrollment process, start by making a list of specific names and dosages of each of the medications you currently take and read all Medicare Part D materials you receive in the mail or that are available on the Medicare Web site, www.medicare.gov.
To register, visit the Medicare Web site and use the "Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder" tool. This tool will help you make a final decision on which plan to choose by prompting you through a series of questions. You can enroll online or call Medicare at (800) MEDICARE and talk with a customer service representative. TTY users should call (877) 486-2048.
If you have additional questions, a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters can assist you with making the right choice. You can find a NAHU member in your area by going to www.nahu.org and selecting the "Find an Agent" feature.
The NAHU insurance professional you select will continue to be your advocate after you've made your decision and will help you resolve any enrollment or claim questions.
According to a statement released by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Medicare beneficiaries who enroll in this new program will pay an average monthly premium of approximately $32. In fact, every state except Alaska has coverage available for $20 or less per month. -NU
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