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Find the Best Deal on Prescription Drug Cards
December 31, 2007 is the last day to enroll in a new Medicare Part D prescription coverage plan or to change your current plan.
Failure to enroll when eligible will result in a 1 percent penalty for each month of failure to enroll. That additional penalty on premium
for late enrollment is not a one-time penalty; it will apply for as long as you have a Medicare Part D plan, even if you change plans.
The next enrollment period is November 15 - December 31, 2008.
If you have employer based retirement prescription coverage or another coverage such as VA, TriCare, etc., you may not need to enroll for Medicare Part D.
Please consult with these entities for further information.
Individuals may become eligible for special enrollment periods (SEP) please consult the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for more information.
Some plans have high monthly premiums and low payments for each prescription. Others may have low or no monthly premiums, but higher payments for each prescription. The choices can be overwhelming. But you don't have to make them alone.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has developed a computer program that can identify the best three or four plans for someone based on the medications they need, the costs, what pharmacy they want to use and other criteria. Their website also provides advice on what to look for and where to get help.
The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) has formed the Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC) to
provide seniors and adults with disabilities with information about public and private prescription
drug programs. The Coalition is committed to helping older adults enroll in the appropriate
prescription drug coverage programs that would best benefit them.
One of the most helpful tools is the NCOA's BenefitsCheckUpRx at
www.BenefitsCheckUpRx.org.
You can also find information about financial, health, and other savings programs at
www.BenefitsCheckUp.org.
ABC also has useful tools and information at http://www.accesstobenefits.org/default.aspx.
Learn how to save the most money, find programs within your state, enroll in programs and help others take advantage of the new savings.
Important Dates
| Dec. 31, 2007 |
Last day to enroll or to change plans for effective date Jan. 1, 2008 |
| Nov. 15 - Dec. 31, 2008
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Next opportunity to enroll for Jan. 1, 2009 effective date.
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