Medicare Coverage Alert
By Susan Plawsky
PRESCRIPTIONS MADE EASY
Did you know that you can get all of your prescription medications from Liberty Medical in the same convenient, reliable way you receive your diabetes testing supplies? Liberty has a full-service pharmacy that participates in the majority of Medicare prescription drug plans.
With Liberty’s pharmacy, you’ll get:
- No charge for shipping
- Prescriptions filled with one easy call or Web site visit
- Access to expert pharmacists
- No up-front costs for diabetes testing supplies
To find out if Liberty participates in your drug plan or the plans you’re considering, call 1-800-597-8635 or visit Liberty's Medicare page
Open enrollment for Medicare prescription drug plans begins November 15. What does this mean for you?
Have you begun receiving mailings from Medicare prescription drug plans (also known as Medicare Part D)? If so, you probably know that Medicare's next annual open enrollment period is right around the corner — November 15 through December 31, 2007. Open enrollment is the only time of year you can change or sign up for a plan.
People covered by Medicare often have questions about prescription drug plans and open enrollment. Here are the answers to some of the most common queries.
Am I required to join a Medicare prescription drug plan?
If you have Medicare Part A and/or Part B, you're eligible to enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan. But you're not required to enroll.
However, if you are interested, it pays to join during the coming open enrollment period. That's because the longer you wait to join, the higher the "late enrollment" penalty you'll pay. And you'll pay this penalty for as long as you participate.
When choosing a drug plan, how can I save money?
- Compare the annual premiums, deductibles, co-payments and coverage gap (also called the "doughnut hole") offered by the plans you're considering.
- Check the plans' formularies to make sure that most of your medications are covered.
- Ask your doctor if generic medications are right for you. If they are, consider plans that offer price breaks on generics.
- If your income and assets are limited, apply for government help with paying for your plan. Call the U.S. Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov, or contact your state's health department for the proper form.
- Call Liberty at 1-800-597-8635 and discuss your plan options with one of our knowledgeable representatives. Or visit Liberty's Medicare page for helpful information and plan-comparison worksheets.
What happens if one of my medications isn't on the formulary?
Many Medicare prescription drug plans don't cover prescription sleeping aids, anxiety medications, weight-loss medications, hair-growth medications and some other prescription drugs. You can pay for them out of pocket, as long as you have a prescription from your doctor.
Will changing drug plans affect coverage for my diabetes testing supplies?
Rest assured, coverage for your diabetes test strips, lancets, control solution and other testing supplies will remain the same. These supplies are covered under Medicare Part B, not your Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.
I have prescription drug coverage through the VA. How does Medicare open enrollment affect me?
It doesn't affect your VA benefits or drug coverage. They remain the same.
Where can I get more information about Medicare prescription drug plans and open enrollment?
Watch the mail for the new Medicare & You 2008 Handbook from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. This handbook contains a list of national and regional Medicare drug plans. Or visit http://www.medicare.gov.
Remember that Liberty's representatives can help you navigate Medicare prescription drug plans. Call 1-800-597-8635, or visit Liberty's Medicare Prescription Benefit Information Center.