Medicare Forum: Making Sense of Part D
As the enrollment deadline of May 15, 2006 quickly approaches, millions of Americans remain confused about the prescription drug benefit provided under Part D of the new Medicare plan. Many of the 4.1 million eligible Californians have numerous questions about how Part D coverage works and how to select the best plan, out of the dozens that are available, for their particular needs.
Medicare Forum: Making Sense of Part D is a half-hour television program produced by KQED Public Television in San Francisco that will address basic and commonly asked questions about this complicated plan. The program will extend the impact of its broadcast by offering additional resources to those viewers with specific questions and concerns about their enrollment.
The studio-based program will feature an in-depth discussion hosted by noted broadcast journalist Dave Iverson with Medicare experts from organizations like the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program at the California Department of Aging and the California Health Advocates, who will examine the most important issues people face when enrolling in a prescription drug plan under Part D. The program will shed light on such questions as who is eligible, whether or not it is better to enroll, what the penalties are for late enrollment, how a person goes about choosing the right plan, and what pitfalls to be aware of.
Viewers also will be directed to government agencies, such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as well as The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) where counselors can answer specific questions. Medicare Forum will be distributed by California Public Television to all 14 public television stations in the state.
This program is made possible by a grant from the California HealthCare Foundation, committed to improving California's health care delivery and financing systems, on the web at chcf.org.
1-800-MEDICARE
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week until May 15, 2006
Or call your local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) office at:
1-800-434-0222
Open weekdays, from 9AM to 4:30PM
For more information, visit the following online resources:
Medicare -- Medicare Eligibility Tool
In order to qualify to receive the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, you must be eligible to receive Medicare benefits. The "Medicare Eligibility Tool" is an interactive, online resource where you can securely and confidentially enter your information to determine if you qualify for Medicare and can enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan (PDP).
Medicare -- Prescription Drug Coverage
With Medicare's "Prescription Drug Coverage", you can access information about the Medicare Part D drug benefit, how it works and a list of terms you should know when comparing Part D plans. You can also enter anonymously a list of medications to find out what local plans cover your medications and also compare local plans based on their cost and levels of drug coverage.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) -- Prescription Drug Coverage Overview
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS has put together an overview of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit, which commenced in January and which Medicare beneficiaries are being encouraged to enroll in before the deadline on May 15th. You can also download from the site information about cost-sharing assistance for dual eligibles (those eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits) and other low-income beneficiaries as well as a spreadsheet that lists all of the individual prescription drug plans (PDPs) offered in California and elsewhere.
Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) -- County-by County Medicare Counseling
The Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) features more than 600 trained volunteer counselors who provide free, impartial assistance with inquiries about Medicare, Medi-Cal and other health care consumer rights issues. This CalMedicare.org web page lists all of the HICAP offices located in each California county, as well as their local office number and the toll-free number you can call to get help with Medicare Part D.
California Department of Health Services -- Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program
California's Department of Health Services offers information about Medicare Part D, including links and phone numbers to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), and the Social Security Administration as well as information for dual eligibles (those eligible for Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits) and a link to an online application to see if you qualify for "extra help" assistance to pay for your Part D premiums, deductibles and co-pays.
California HealthCare Foundation -- Medicare Drug Benefit Resource Area
Founded in 1996, the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF) is a philanthropic organization which supports a wide array of research, analysis and programs to improve the quality of and access to affordable health care in California. CHCF's "Medicare Drug Benefit Resource Area" provides an overview of Medicare Part D, links to other state and federal agencies, and a summary of the various Part D plans offered in California.
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