Post 4763 SO Article 10.

Beginning May 15, 2006, persons on Medicare (Part A or Part B) will be required to enroll in a prescription drug plan underwritten by a private insurance company.  THERE ARE MANY EXCEPTIONS TO THIS GENERAL REQUIREMENT.

Those persons who have a "letter of credible coverage" from a health care provider will not be penalized for enrolling in a prescription drug plan, even though the enrollment takes place after May 15, 2006.  Patients who obtain their prescription drugs through the Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system, a TriCare plan, or CHAMPVA, for example, already have credible coverage.  The same applies to most retired government employees, as well as to many others who obtain prescription drugs through company healthcare plans.

DO THIS:

1.  Be absolutely certain that the prescription drug provider you are interested can meet YOUR needs.

2.  Get assistance from persons, or agencies who are fully qualified to advise Medicare recipients about paying for prescription drugs.

     This does not mean your relatives, friends, or next door neighbor.  It means a qualified healthcare professional who is NOT selling

     something.

3.  Do not give money, credit card numbers, credit information, or personal healthcare information to anyone, or to any agency, about

     which you have the SLIGHTEST question, or doubt.

4.  Check with the Social Security Administration, Medicare health system, Department of Veterans Affairs, TriCare, CHAMPVA, or

     the patient advocacy person with the company now providing healthcare services to you, BEFORE making any decisions.

Remember, there are dozens of private company plans being offered to persons on Medicare.  Most of these choices are appropriate for certain patients.  But, its up to you to make sure that you need the added coverage, and that the coverage is good for you.