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Medicare Changes
2004: How Do They Affect You?
How does the
recent Medicare reform legislation change Medicare?
On
Monday, December 8, President Bush signed into law, new legislation launching
the biggest changes in Medicare since its creation in 1965. Congress and the
administration worked together to modernize Medicare, to allow Medicare
beneficiaries more choices in health-care coverage as well as better health care
benefits. This new law strengthens the current Medicare program and adds
important new coverage for prescriptions and preventative benefits, and
introduces other features of many modern insurance plans.
Isn't there a new prescription card?
In
the spring of 2004, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to join a drug discount
card program which has been approved by Medicare. Medicare will contract with
private companies to offer the discount cards which will have a Medicare
approved mark on the card. This same Medicare approved mark will also appear on
other literature such as on marketing materials. This card will immediately
provide savings on prescriptions estimated to be from 10%-25% or more on many
drugs.
Who qualifies for these new Medicare prescription discount cards?
Individuals who have incomes less then $12,124 per year, and married couples
whose income is less than $16,363, may qualify for $600 to help pay for
prescription drugs. These voluntary cards will be offered temporarily with
enrollment beginning as early as May, 2004, and continuing through December 31,
2005. Beginning June 1, 2004, Medicare beneficiaries can begin using the
discount cards and the $600, if they qualify. Beneficiaries whose drugs are
covered by Medicaid are not eligible for participation in these prescription
discount card programs.
When do I enroll in this program?
Each participating card program may charge beneficiaries an enrollment fee of
up to $30 per year. Beneficiaries may be enrolled in only one Medicare approved
card program at a time, and may only elect to choose a different card during
the annual election period, which is between November 15 and December 31, 2004.
However, under certain circumstances beneficiaries can change card programs at
any time, such as if they move outside the area served by the card program, or
if they enroll or disenroll in a Medicare managed care plan.
By
Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D Candidate
Information
provided by the Missouri Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers'
Newsletter.
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