|
August 2005 Vol. 24. No. 8
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.
|
|
|
Humboldt Senior Resource Center Back issues Table of Contents
Plus in this issue catch more news, opinions, features, book reviews, and event calendars.
Pick up a copy today! Better yet, subscribe and never miss an issue! Brought to you by 
|
Ask HICAP Sign up now for extra help with Medicare drug plans by Anne Antoville If you have Medicare, are single and your income is less than $14,355 a year or are married and your income is less than $19,245 a year, you may be able to get extra help with costs for the Medicare drug plans. If you have more than two people in your household, your income can be higher and you can get the extra help. The Medicare drug plans will be available in January 2006, but you can sign up for the extra help now. HICAP, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, can assist you with your application for extra help or you can contact Social Security for assistance. What will the Medicare Drug Plans cover? Medicare drug plans will be available for everyone with Medicare beginning in January 2006. The plans will cover brand name and generic drugs, have a monthly premium, a yearly deductible and co-pays for drugs. The plans will also have catastrophic coverage for beneficiaries with very high drug costs. What kind of help can I get? If you sign up for the extra help for Medicare drug plans using the Social Security application, you may be able to get help for premium costs, deductible costs and co-pay costs. What do I do if I have Medi-Cal? If you have Medi-Cal with no share of cost you will be automatically enrolled for the extra help and Medicare will cover your drugs beginning next January. You will be able to choose a drug plan beginning in October 2005. If you do not sign up for a drug plan, you will be automatically enrolled in a Medicare drug plan by Jan. 1, 2006. If you have Medi-Cal with a share of cost and you do not meet your share of cost, you will need to sign up for the extra help with Medicare drug plans. You will also need to sign up for a Medicare drug plan beginning in November 2005. What do I do if I use Patient Assistance Programs? If you use Patient Assistance Programs, you can sign up for the extra help with Medicare drug plans. Beginning in November you can sign up for a Medicare drug plan and begin using the plan in January 2006. Where can I go for help? HICAP can assist with your questions and with the application for extra help with Medicare drug plans. Call HICAP 443-9747 in Humboldt and 464-7876 in Del Norte. Or contact Social Security at 800-772-1213. Anne Antoville is HICAP manager for Humboldt and Del Norte counties. |
Senior News