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Updated: Friday March 12, 2010

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            YOUR MEDICARE GUIDE

 

 NEW INFORMATION ADDED DAILY

 

             

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Medicare  PART "D" AND THE COSTS

ALL ABOUT THE  DOUGHNUT HOLE

COMPARE PART D PLANS FOR YOUR STATE

Medicare A - B - C - D

             ---plus other Medicare Tips, News, and Links

Still Time to Review Medicare Advantage Plans

(Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, Combines A, B, MediGap, and perhaps D)
Medicare Advantage plans with the largest enrollments will raise their premiums by 20% on average in 2010 -- some by more than 60%. And generally the benefits are being drastically cut. You MUST read the information your existing plan sends to you, and should compare their 2010 benefits with other providers. There is still an open enrollment period open for MA Plans from Jan 1 thru Mar 31. Click to:

Learn about MEDICARE ADVANTAGE, or Simple Explanation of Parts A, B, C, and D. Or go to the Medicare Health Plan Finder.

Time to Review Medicare Part D Plans

Go to the Medicare (D) Drug Plan Finder

Did you know that  today the US is only 43rd

in life expectancy among the nations!   We wonder why. $

                                      $          $            $ 

 

1 Where Do I Start With Part "D"? 

     Simply explained on one page.

     Understand the maze.

 

2. Senior Tips, Medicare and Part "D" Prescription News and Links  (below)

3. 2010 Medicare Part D Basic Guidelines

 

4. How Part D Works - How to change it

                

5."Help - I'm falling into the dreaded

 doughnut hole" : 15 Things you can do today to survive the  doughnut hole, and save on drugs.

 

6. Medicare Twilight Zone 

    do do do do ) do do do

    A little comic relief for all those who are

    confused by Medicare!

 

7. Part D Costs in  Easy Chart Form

 

8. Medicare Parts A, B, C, D

   Simply explained on one page

 

9. Medicare Part "D

     Simply explained on one page

 

10. Two New Medicare Part "D" Tools

         Select the right plan for you.

 

11  Part D and Medicare Advantage

      Comparison Tool

 

12. Does Part "D" Really Add Up For Me?

 

13. Surviving the Medicare Advantage

      Decision-Making Process

 

14.  2010 Part B Premium Announced

 

15  Effect of a Zero Social Security COLA

       on Part B Premiums in Medicare

 

16. Committing to the wrong Part D Plan for the next year could be a costly and tragic error. Are you sure you will have the best 2009 Part D Plan for your area, at the best price, and one that best meets your prescription needs? Medicare has a very easy tool that will do that for you. As the editor of SeniorArk.com, I work with Part D information every day, and I'm not sure I will have the best 2010 Plan until I use that tool. Have a look.

 

17. Medicare-run, single payer drug plan

       proposed

 

18. A few quick Medicare Links for Part D

 

19. Check to see if you qualify for extra help

       with Part D costs.

 

 

$ 

 

 

 

 

 

TIPS

most recent last

1. Surviving With Medicare Part "D"

2.THE MEDICARE TWILIGHT ZONE      Humorous article on the utter confusion of Medicare "Parts"
3.  Explanation of Part D, doughnut hole, and suggestions for improvement.

 

"Be generous. I'm trying to buy my way out of the doughnut hole."  Maxine

4.  Official Medicare Prescription Drug Information Site 

5.  If you do not have excessive property or large bank accounts, you should be able to get your Part D subsidized by Social Security. I get about $11,000 per year and my Part D has NO premium NO deductible, NO gap, and the meds run between $! & $5 per month (max) each. Check page 57 in the 2006 Medicare Handbook "Medicare and You" it has a chart that should answer your questions. Good luck. You may be able to get help applying (I did) from RSVP, they're in the phone book.      Cheers,  Lee O.

(You will need Acrobat Reader to open this Medicare publication online. It is free. Click the running person below)

  Image of the Adobe Acrobat Reader logo

6, BEWARE of people offering to give you Medicare information for a price. 99.9% of the time this information is available FOR FREE. These people are looking to make a buck off of you by selling you convenience.

 For that matter, any information pertaining to government policies or programs is free. Don't fall for the hype!     Rivahcat - Virginia

7. IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT PLAN D, WRITE OR CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND SENATOR. COMPLETE LINKS TO DO THAT CAN BE FOUND AT: LINKS/GOVERNMENT

8. Here is an invaluable site for Seniors who are on Part "D", or buying drugs independently. It is produced by independent  Consumer Reports. It is part of their  "Best Buy Drugs"  website.  Specific to those on Medicare is  their  "Medicare RX"  section.

9. Why are seniors paying nearly twice the price for their prescriptions as veterans, even though the government runs both programs? Because Congress specifically prevented Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices for seniors. In a time of record budget deficits, that just doesn’t make sense. Click here to tell Congress to let Medicare get better drug prices for seniors. (Takes you to a Consumers Union/Consumer Reports page)

10. A free booklet is available from the National Pharmaceutical Council explaining prescription benefits, new Medicare beneficiaries, choosing a plan and how to appeal when your drug is not covered. You can order Your Pharmacy Benefit: Make It Work for You. Call 1-888-878-3256 or www.pueblo.gsa.gov

11. Important dates for the balance of 2008 for Part D

Oct. 1: Insurance companies may start marketing their plans.

Oct. Mid: Medicare releases details of the plans, costs and drugs they cover. In late October it mails each beneficiary the "Medicare and You" handbook, a guide to all Medicare benefits.

Nov. 15-Dec. 31: Medicare beneficiaries may enroll in Part D plans, or switch to new plans. Those already enrolled may keep those plans or switch to different ones. People in a plan that is being discontinued may choose a new plan.

January 1 - March 31 Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage, if you decide you prefer this to a stand-alone Part D program.

HELP, Medicare • 1-800-633-4227 (TTY/TDD 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day. www.medicare.gov

12.  The changes to Medicare in 2006 that brought us the drug "benefit" had  another increase built in which I was just made aware of by an article in this Sunday's paper ..
Part B charges will be tied to your income bracket !!!!  .
The article did not state how/when  they would  determine your bracket .. But anyone near a bracket boundary should do some year-end  income planning now if possible.. The article mentioned 2 events that could cause a bracket shift, converting an IRA to Roth and selling property..  Paul P.

13. See Medicare A B C D Made Simple

14. TO FIND A HEALTH PLAN Your best resource is still the Medicare prescription-drug-plan finder --  -- which lets you enter the names of drugs you take and figure your potential out-of-pocket costs for the plans in your area.

15. If you are denied any kind of coverage by Medicare, you have the right to appeal. Here is the Medicare webpage you need: http://www.medicare.gov/basics/appeals.asp

16. What can you do if you are falling into the doughnut hole?

17. This morning SeniorARK came across an October 23, 2006 article on the mixed grades Part D is receiving. In that article we find this statement: "It's a lot of smoke," said Dr. Aaron Snyder, who works for Kaiser Permanente. To him, the government is cleverly concealing the fact that the benefits are relatively modest. To read the full article click: Medicare Plan D gets mixed grades
Rocky Mountain News - Denver,CO,USA

18 Alert: Despite Medicare coverage, seniors are not taking advantage of preventive services and important screenings that can help detect diseases early.

19. Do you think there is profit in the Medicare Part D Extravaganza on the backs of Seniors?  Read this from a late October 2006 Stock value assessment of Part D provider, Humana:

"OVERVIEW: In 2003, the federal government passed legislation allowing seniors to obtain medical coverage through private health insurers under plans ultimately reimbursed by Medicare

More than half of Humana's profits come from insuring seniors through government programs, and with Medicare reforms still in infancy analysts say investors will judge Humana's third quarter based on margins and enrollment. Both are tied to the company's ability to persuade members to switch to a new type of plan, Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage offers seniors cheaper copays under programs that restrict choices to certain doctors and hospitals."   

20. Read recent article (Oct 29) on Part D      THE PRAISES AND PITFALLS OF PART D
21. Disabled and can't get around. Check into Medicare-approved scooters.

                    It may be fully covered.

22. Many seniors know that Medicare covers flu and pneumonia vaccinations but don't realize they have extra benefits that became effective Jan. 1, 2005, Medicare now covers 100 percent of the cost of cholesterol tests every five years and diabetes screening tests up to twice a year. It also will cover 80 percent an annual glaucoma eye screening and a bone mass measurement to check for osteoporosis. Other screenings tests covered by Medicare at 100 or 80 percent include mammography, pap tests, colorectal screening and prostate cancer. The coverage means Medicare benefits can help detect disease earlier, reduce infectious diseases and improve a patient's quality of life.

Many conditions and diseases have no early symptoms. It's much better to try to prevent health problems from developing or growing that treating a disease after it has developed for a while.  These are potentially life saving benefits. We encourage seniors to take advantage of them. Cancer can grow deep within a colon, for example, with no symptoms. Regular testing can reveal colon cancer in earlier more curable stages. Medicare also will cover 80 percent of the medical nutritional therapy for persons with diabetes or kidney disease.

23. If your Medicare Part B coverage begins on or after January 1, 2005, Medicare benefits cover a one-time preventive physical exam within the first six months that you have Part B. The exam will include a thorough review of your health, education and counseling about the preventive services you need, like certain screenings and shots, and referrals for other care. The "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam is a great way to get up-to-date on important screenings and shots and to talk with your doctor about your family history and how to stay healthy. These preventative screenings are an important aspect of senior health and committing to a healthy lifestyle.

24. Premiums are going up on Part D, and there could be changes as to which prescription drugs are covered in your policy.
If a senior decides to change policies or enroll in the program for the first time, Medicare officials urge the action be taken by December 8.
Although the deadline is Dec. 31, applying early will allow enough time for processing for coverage beginning Jan. 1.

Don't assume that everything is exactly the same as in 2006 with your Part D plan. You need to review it for 2007.  And there may be a better plan for your situation. Go to prescription-drug-plan finder for online help from Medicare.

25. No Increase for Medicare Part B Premiums in 2009; more.
26. Bill to Improve Medicare Part D Low Income Subsidy

27. November 1, 2006 - In 13 states next year, there will be no drug plans that offer coverage in the so-called "doughnut hole," the drug coverage gap in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, for the top medicines prescribed to seniors, according to a new report issued today. In 2006, there were only four such states, but the number of seniors without access to such doughnut hole coverage will increase from 375,000 to 6.6 million in 2007 - an 18-fold increase.

In the 37 states and the District of Columbia in which plans will continue to offer such doughnut hole coverage, premiums for the lowest-priced Part D plans will increase by 87.4 percent, jumping from a median monthly price of $55.08 in 2006 to $103.20 in 2007 (an increase in annual premiums from $660.96 to $1,238.40).  SeniorJournal.com

28. Medicare Part B Premiums: New Rules For Beneficiaries With Higher Incomes Frequently Asked Questions
29. Your 2009 Part B premium depends. on your income for prior tax year..  read more

Seniors are waiting for your tip here.     Or submit a useful link for a links section.

Click here to read SeniorARK explanation of, and recommendations for Medicare Part "D"

  Search for any word on this SeniorARK site

 

 

   Medicare and Prescription Drug Part D   News

 most recent articles first

older articles in archive

Seniors:  IF YOU HAVE CONCERNS ABOUT THE MEDICARE PART D PRESCRIPTION PLAN,  WRITE OR CALL YOUR CONGRESSMAN AND SENATOR. COMPLETE LINKS TO DO THAT CAN BE FOUND AT:             LINKS/GOVERNMENT.                                              Or you might want to go the route below:

Why are seniors paying nearly twice the price for their prescriptions as veterans, even though the government runs both programs? Because Congress specifically prevented Medicare from negotiating lower drug prices for seniors. In a time of record budget deficits, that just doesn’t make sense.   Tell Congress to let Medicare get better drug prices for seniors.

If any links are dead, they have probably been dropped by the original publisher.

Most recent Medicare and  Part D news listed first.    See older Medicare and Part D News in archive
Year-End Saving Strategies for Retirees
Smartmoney.com   December 10. 2009
Medicare Part D premiums are still rising, while the range of drugs included in the plans' cheapest coverage is declining, but both changes are happening ...
Medicare Prepares Reversal on Covering All Antidepressants and Antipsychotics
Psychiatric Times   December 9, 2009
The October 22, 2009, proposed rule contains numerous prospective changes to both the Part D drug program and the Part C Medicare Advantage program. ...
Seniors wasting money on drugs because they won't switch Medicare ...
Wallet Pop   December 2, 2009
Seniors who chose Humana that first year and then decided they didn't want to switch are paying 182% more per month in premiums for Medicare Part D. Humana is the second largest Medicare Part D provider and serves about 9.6% of seniors. ...
Some prescription medications may not be covered under Part D in 2010
HealthcareFinanceNews.com   December 1, 2009
Some common prescription drugs usually covered by Medicare Part D may not make the cut in 2010, due to a new policy being implemented by ...
What Happens to Medicare Under the House and Senate Bills - AARP ...
December 1, 2009    They'd love for their children and grandchildren to have the same sense of security that they have now.” But how can billions of dollars be carved out of Medicare to help pay for reform measures without affecting traditional benefits? And what's the outlook if no action is taken? ... If nothing is done, beneficiaries' out-of-pocket Medicare expenses will eat up an increasing part of their Social Security checks, according to the 2009 Medicare trustees' report. ...
COMMENTARY: Save Social Security by removing contribution cap
The Patriot Ledger   November 21, 2009
By DAVID BASKIN FOR THE PATRIOT LEDGER Once again the media are reporting that without a fix the Social Security fund will be exhausted in 2037. ...
Social Security age must be increased
Lansdale Reporter   November 19, 2009
Four years ago I wrote an article on how the Social Security program should be adjusted and adjusted soon. If not, the system will collapse. ...
Millions will have to repay part of tax credit
The Associated Press   November 15, 2009
Social Security recipients who also earn taxable wages may have to repay $250. The tax credit, which is supposed to pay individuals up to $400 and couples ...
SOCIAL SECURITY: Extra drug help comes with limits
Asbury Park Press   November 15, 2009
Q: How do I know if I am eligible for the $3900 in savings with the Medicare prescription drug program? A: To get extra help with Medicare prescription drug ...
2010 Medicare Changes Demand Careful Review
U.S. News & World Report   November 13, 2009
Allsup, a company that provides individual and employer services for Social Security disability and Medicare, sponsored a consumer poll that found that 16 ...
Historic Bill to Provide Quality, Affordable Health Care for All Americans ...
California Chronicle   November 3, 2009
Strengthens Medicare and Medicaid and closes the Medicare Part D ´donut hole´ so that seniors and low-income Americans receive better quality of care and ...
Seniors: Be wary of advertising
NorthJersey.com  November 1, 2009
First, please keep in mind that while open enrollment for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is Nov. 15 through Dec. 31 each year, Medicare ...
How to get help  (selecting Part D or Medicare Advantage Plan)
Detroit Free Press November 1, 2009
15, CVS/pharmacy is to offer an online Medicare Part D Calculator that gives comparisons of Part D plans at www.cvs.com/medicare.cq-anstett 6. ...
HealthMetrix Research Selects 2010 Medicare Advantage Plans for Best Overall ...
Reuters   October 29, 2009
... Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicare Advantage plans in 95 cities will be recognized for best overall value in the design of their 2010 medical and Part D ...
Choosing the right Medicare drug plan
East Texas Review   October 29, 2009
That's why the government created Medicare Part D, a voluntary program that subsidizes prescription drugs for Medicare recipients. ...
Lawmakers look to eliminate Medicare Part D gap earlier than planned
McKnight's Long Term Care News   OCTOBER 28, 2009
Lawmakers are stepping up efforts to close the Medicare Part D doughnut hole, a coverage gap in the prescription drug program for seniors. ...
House bill likely to include long-term health care
The Associated Press   October 27, 2009
Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass. The Obama administration also has said it should be part of health care overhaul legislation. In return for modest monthly ...
Why do we pay so much for drugs?
HeraldNet   October 26, 2009
Here is some advice for seniors who may fall into the dreaded donut hole in Medicare Part D. Recently my wife fell into that hole. ...
Ex-Insurance Exec Sees Big Backlash to Healthcare Bill
In These Times   October 23, 2009
“Before this year, few people had ever heard of the term 'public option,' ” Ross said (In light of the burst of enthusiasm for Medicare Part E, ...
Agreement on Medicare reimbursement praised
Herald Times Reporter   October 23, 2009
Under the agreement, the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academies of Science, would conduct two studies on changing the Medicare payment system ...
Medicare for everyone
The Hill   October 20, 2009
People have been talking about some sort of Medicare Part E since Congress debated the prescription drug benefit, Medicare Part D, in 2003. ...
Medicare Drug Planners Now Lobbyists, With Billions at Stake
ProPublica   October 20, 2009
by Olga Pierce, propublica - October 20, 2009 5:12 pm EDT Four years ago, a group of lawmakers and aides crafted Medicare Part D, the prescription drug ...
Brace for rising Medicare premiums
Boston Herald   October 20, 2009
They will be forced to bear increases in premiums for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage in the upcoming year. Seniors will have a 45-day window from ...
Washington Post: Senior citizens get a nice, fat raise
Minneapolis Star Tribune   October 18, 2009
But the premiums for Medicare Advantage plans, Supplemental and Part D prescription plans that make Medicare into useful coverage can go … read more up. ...
Will health care reform help those on Medicare?
Newsday   October 14, 2009
Most bills would gradually eliminate the "doughnut hole," the Part D coverage gap during which many pay the full price for drugs.
5 Medicare secrets you should know
Daily Finance (blog)   October 9, 2009
The Medicare web page has excellent tools for comparing your options. Medicare Part D is supposed to help seniors deal with the high cost of prescription ...
Take profit out of health care
Lompoc Record   October 7, 2009
Even the present public option — Medicare — is very expensive. Basic Medicare is insufficient coverage. Part B has been added, for which about $100 per ...
Monthly Medicare drug premiums to rise 11 percent in 2010 for ...
HealthcareFinanceNews.com   October 5, 2009
WASHINGTON – Monthly premiums for Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans will rise 11 percent on average to $38.85 in 2010 if beneficiaries ...
To See Who Really Gets Medicare Advantage, Follow the Money
The Ledger   October 5, 2009
In 2003, Congress passed the Medicare Prescription Coverage as Part D component of Medicare to benefit our senior citizens. Many insurance plans provide ...
Lobbyists' money talks
Barre Montpelier Times Argus   October 5, 2009
As an active senior who has been fighting for health care and especially Medicare Part D reform for several years, I know how Part D was cobbled together a ...
CMS Warns Humana to Stop Mailings to Medicare Advantage Members on ...
Atlantic Information Services, Inc. October 2, 2009
Just days prior to the start of the 2010 Medicare Advantage (MA)/Part D selling season, Humana Inc. found itself in hot water with CMS. ...
More Pandering To The Elderly
Forbes  October 2, 2009
One of these changes involves Medicare Part B, which pays for doctors visits. Part A pays for hospitalization and Part D pays for prescription drugs. ...

If any links are dead, they have probably been dropped by the original publisher.

Most recent Part D news listed first.              . See Older Medicare and  Part "D" articles in archive

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