Senior News January, 2004 Vol. 25. No. 1

 

Published by the Humboldt Senior Resource Center in Eureka, California. HSRC is a non-profit community-based organization offering services for senior citizens, multi-generational families and caregivers.

New Alzheimer's program lands on all four feet

New Medicare changes: how will they affect you?

Driving and getting older-challenge increases with age

Riding high: woman and steed flow together

Service with a smile-Volunteers make a difference in our community

Role of volunteers will grow under new police chief

No Podunk in McKinleyville

Pick up a copy today! Better yet, subscribe and never miss an issue!

Brought to you by

Ask HICAP
New Medicare changes: how will they affect you?
by Anne Antoville       

In December, Congress and the president approved the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003. This act contains some of the most comprehensive changes to the Medicare program since its beginning during the Johnson administration.     

Most of the changes to Medicare will not be implemented until 2006. This article addresses Medicare changes for 2004-2005.

Medicare Discount Cards:

A Medicare Discount card will be available in April or May for prescription drugs. The cards should cost $30 per year and will be available during specific open enrollment periods. The cards will be offered by private companies who will be granted the use of the "Medicare" name. The cards should provide a 10-15 percent savings on prescription costs.

Compare Cards!

You will be able to contact the HICAP office for card comparisons. Card comparisons will also be available on the internet at www.medicare.gov.  The cards are not required to provide standard benefits and are not required to maintain the same discounts or formularies over time. You will only be able to enroll or change cards during open enrollment periods.

Who can't buy the card:   

You cannot buy this card if

• You have Medi-Cal with no Share of Cost
• You have Tricare or Federal Employee Health Benefits
• You have Employer or Retiree Health Insurance with Rx benefits o You have an Employer or Retiree Medicare Supplement with Rx benefits.

Assistance for Low-Income Beneficiaries:

If your income is 135 percent or less of the federal poverty level, which is currently $12,123 for singles and $16, 362 for married couples, the discount card will be available at no cost. You will have a $600 credit per year to use for prescription costs. When you use the $600 credit, you will pay a 10 percent co-pay for drugs. After you have used up the $600 credit, you will receive a 10-15 percent discount on your prescriptions.

New card vs. Medication Assistance Programs

If you are currently getting your prescriptions using Medication Assistance Programs, you may want to contact the HICAP office before purchasing a Medicare Discount Card. Buying the card could disqualify you from many MAP programs. A large percentage of people on MAP programs save substantially more then $600 per year.

Ask HICAP

Contact HICAP for more information regarding Medicare or Medication Assistance Programs: Humboldt 443-9747; Del Norte 464-5500.  Anne Antoville is HICAP program manager. HICAP is the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program of the Area Agency on Aging.