Senior Living
Web Site Helps Select Medicare Rx Plan
By
Mar 1, 2006, 17:07

(ARA) - The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder is up and running. The plan finder, which was put together by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, allows the user to type in the Medicare beneficiary’s information and preferences and the interactive site then comes up with a short list of plans based on that information.

To access the plan finder, log on to the Medicare agency’s Web site, www.medicare.gov. On the site’s home page, choose the option “Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans,” and then follow the site’s instructions. Beneficiaries should be prepared with specific personal information, such as their Medicare number, prescriptions (name, dosage, frequency and cost of each) and preferred pharmacies.

Additionally, instead of entering a beneficiary’s personal information, users can simply perform a generalized search by answering a series of basic questions that the plan finder will ask. The drug plan finder will then offer customized information based on the answers provided.

Open enrollment for Medicare’s prescription drug benefit began November 15. It continues through May 15, 2006.

Every beneficiary can choose from several plans. Many resources are available to help select a suitable one.

* If Internet access is not an option, beneficiaries can call the Medicare agency’s hotline at (800) MEDICARE (633-4227). This hotline provides live assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The live representative can answer any questions and help beneficiaries complete the steps needed to determine their best choice of plans. Callers may be required to hold for several minutes before a representative is available; however, representatives can offer invaluable guidance in sorting through information. TTY/TTD callers can dial (877) 486-2048.

* Medicare’s home site (www.medicare.gov) offers extensive information on the new prescription coverage and provides frequently asked questions.

* The Medicare & You 2006 handbook explains the new prescription drug benefit and lists the plans available in a particular state.

* Thousands of community events are being held across the country. Dates and times are listed in local newspapers.
Courtesy of ARA Content

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