March 2006 Vol. 25. No. 3

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.

Knight on a white horse: Jace Comfort to the rescue

Make Medicare drug plan choices early

Dial-A-Ride: Long-desired service has been extended to residents on Humboldt Hill, Manila, Samoa, Old Arcata Road

Area Agency on Aging: Get nomination petition now for California Senior Legislator elections to be held in April

Beginning March 7 - Living more comfortably with disabilities

Fortuna: Ron Bremer to conduct genealogical seminar

Animal protection Connecting animal cruelty and human violence

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

Brought to you by

If you haven't made a decision regarding Medicare drug plans, also called Medicare Part D, don't wait too long. Although the deadline for enrolling in a Medicare drug plan is May 15, there are several reasons why it is a good idea to think ahead.

Medicare is recommending that beneficiaries who want to use a Medicare drug plan enroll in the early part of the month for drug coverage the following month. To get coverage by May you need to enroll early in April.

Based on what HICAP has experienced so far, it may take six weeks to receive a plan card and verify your enrollment. It may be difficult to access drug plans by phone in April. If you need in-person assistance, sign up for a HICAP appointment early, as our appointments for April will fill quickly. Call the numbers below.

If you have other Rx coverage

If you are a veteran and receive prescriptions through the VA, you don't need to enroll in a Medicare drug plan unless you are unable to get medications through the VA. VA benefits are creditable for Medicare drug plans, so you won't have to pay penalties if you wait to enroll.

If you have other drug coverage from a plan, you should have received notification from your plan telling you whether or not you should enroll in a Medicare drug plan. Do not enroll in Medicare drug plan until you understand your current coverage. You could lose important benefits.

If you have currently have Medigap plans H, I or J

Medigap plans H, I and J will not be considered creditable for Medicare prescription drug coverage. If you have a Medigap plan H, I or J you have two options:

o You can keep your current coverage. The advantage is that there are no formulary requirements with plans H, I or J. If you decide to get a Medicare drug plan later, you will pay premium penalties of one percent of the premium per month you delayed. Premiums for H, I and J might increase significantly over the next few years.

o You can get a Medicare drug plan. Your drug costs may be much lower than using plan H, I or J. You have the right to change your Medigap coverage to a plan without drug coverage without a health screening as long as you stay with the same company, change coverage within 63 days of getting a Medicare drug plan and change Medi-gap coverage by May 15.

If you have questions or need help you can call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) or call HICAP for in-person assistance in Humboldt, 443-3000, in Del Norte, 464-7876.