Medicare help
Sometimes, when the federal government decides to change a policy, the rest of us have a tough time trying to figure it out. In the case of the Medicare Part D prescription benefit, many seniors have become confused, overwhelmed and left in the bureaucratic dust.
If Part D were to do what it is supposed to do, thousands of folks would receive a prescription benefit that they didn't have before. People have to choose which plan to sign up for, and in Montana, there are 17 companies offering 47 options for Part D.
On the Medicare Web site, there are 287 frequently asked questions. As your state senator, I know that the Montana Department of Health and Human Services, which is helping to administer the program, is working hard to get our senior population signed up correctly. But there have been problems.
Rather than run through the scores of problems that have been frustrating people, let me suggest these steps that might prove helpful:
? Make a list of all your prescriptions. Also, have your current drug plan handy when you contact Medicare.
? If you have access to the Internet, by yourself or with help, find www.medicare.gov.
? If you prefer to phone, call 1-800-633-4227.
? You will have the opportunity to report your income, current drug plan and whether you use generic drugs. You will be asked some very personal information about your income and your prescriptions. The answers are not intended to invade your privacy and are kept confidential.
Answering as accurately as possible will help you make a good decision on a plan that you can afford. You will then have a choice of which plan to sign up for, or you can keep the plan you have if it is better.
Don't forget to consider these:
? What will be the co-pay amount?
? What will be the monthly premium?
? Will the new plan provide for all your prescriptions?
? Will pre-authorization of your drugs be required?
Our federal government is not known for being user-friendly. If you pay taxes or receive Medicare or Medicaid benefits, you know this well. The good news is there is help out there.
I hope this information is an aid to finding that help when deciding on a prescription plan that best suits the needs of seniors in Montana.
Sen. Dan Weinberg
Whitefish