Globe Syndicate
For
release
The
by Carol Abaya, M.A.
MEDICARE PART D:
EVALUATE CAREFULLY BEFORE
SIGNING UP
2nd of 2 Parts
This week’s column continues information one the new
federal Medicare Part D (drug) program.
Careful evaluation is advised before signing up for any program.
8. If I don’t sign
up by May 15, can I wait or try a private company first? If you sign up later or try another company and
want to switch to the government program you will be penalized and your premium
will be higher.
If you
originally had drug coverage as part of your Medigap/supplemental coverage, you
will not be able to go back to that coverage.
9 Can I participate in Medicare Part D through the government and
maintain drug coverage on my Medigap/supplemental insurance? NO!
You have to select one or the other.
If you sign up for the federal program or through another private
insurer, your drug coverage on your current insurance will terminate.
If you
sign up for and are not happy with the program given by a private insurer or
the federal program, you will not be able to go back to a drug plan under your
Medigap insurance policy.
10 Selection advice:
If you do not currently have drug coverage in your supplemental policy
and cannot get such coverage with that policy, the basic federal program is the
safest and surest, in spite of the overall cost and parameters.
You
need to carefully evaluate your current medicine expenses and try to predict,
given your health situation, your needs in the future. If you are approached by private insurers and
the plan seems reasonable, take the information to your pharmacist and ask
him/her to help you evaluate the plan’s offering.
DO NOT
give out critical personal information to someone who calls you on the
telephone or contacts you by e-mail.
Also do not give out information if someone knocks on your door and says
he/she is talking to others in your community.
Legitimate companies will not make telemarketing telephone calls nor
will they knock on your door.
11. If I have little income, is there help to
pay the Part D premium? Yes! You can apply through the Social Security
Administration. Government officials
estimate that millions are eligible for help, but do not apply. You should not hesitate in applying for
help. Pride will not help you maintain
your health.
12. If I receive benefits from programs for
low-income people, can I participate in the government Part D program? Yes, you can. HOWEVER, such participation can create a
whole new set of problems with your receiving other government help, such as
food stamps, rent subsidizes, disability (SSI) payments. These other government low-income benefits
may be reduced because you will be paying out less for medicines. You might then receive less in rent
subsidizes and food stamps. You need to
have someone help you evaluate your costs and benefits of all the various help
programs. A person in your local Area
Agency on Aging should be able to help you.
Are you juggling doing errands for your aging parents, your children, yourself and working at the same time? Are you tired, stressed out and upset that your once vibrant parent is now frail and needy?
Do you feel alone? Rest assured you are not alone! The Sandwich Generation is dedicated to the 50 million Americans who may have elder/parent care concerns and/or responsibilities.
* * *
Do
you have a question? Send it in. Although letters cannot be answered
individually, appropriate letters will be answered in this column whenever
possible. Letters may be edited. Send letters to Ms. Carol Abaya,
mail direct to her at
Carol Abaya is an international-award-winning journalist and creator of the unique magazine The Sandwich Generation: You & Your Aging Parents.
NOTES TO EDITORS: text = 564 words; other material = 160 words
We would appreciate it if you would include the "Globe Syndicate" bug at the end of the column.