Medicare.gov

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Cost Estimator
This tool assists beneficiaries in calculating their potential savings by joining a prescription drug plan by providing lowest State premium information. The calculations are based on the defined standard benefit and the lowest premium amount offered by a plan for a particular region of the country.
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KDHE Home - Health - Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

"What's New"

MARK YOUR CALENDAR 

Important Dates for Prescription Drug Coverage 

July 1, 2005

Filing period for "extra help" opens

October 1, 2005

Medicare & You booklet distributed by Medicare

Commercial drug plans begin marketing to beneficiaries

November 14, 2005

Beneficiaries in a plan with current drug coverage should receive information on whether there coverage is "creditable"

November 15, 2005

Part D open enrollment begins for Medicare beneficiaries

January 1, 2006

Coverage begins for those who enroll by December 31, 2005

May 15, 2006

Last day for beneficiaries to enroll in plan without paying a premium penalty

Beginning January 1, 2006, Medicare will offer a prescription drug benefit to enrolled beneficiaries.  Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income level and resources, pre-existing conditions, or current prescription expense. 

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage is insurance.  Private companies provide the coverage.  Beneficiaries choose a drug plan a pay a monthly premium.  As with any insurance programs, beneficiaries have a wide range of options.  All plans meet must provide a standard level of coverage which is set by Medicare, but some plans may offer more coverage and additional drugs for a higher monthly premium.  Drug plans will vary in the prescription drugs covered, how much beneficiaries will pay, and the pharmacies that can be used.  Also, beneficiaries that obtain their prescription drugs though a retiree health plan or Medicare Advantage plan, may receive their Medicare prescription drug coverage through that plan.

Most plans will require payment of premiums, deductibles and co-pays that must be covered by the beneficiary.  However, extra help is available for people with limited income and resources.

This site is intended to provide basic information on this new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and to direct interested parties to more detailed program information.

Basics Beneficiaries Need to Know

If you have Medicare Only

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid
  • Enrollment in a Prescription Drug Plan is not automatic.
  • If you want prescription coverage, you must choose a plan.
  • The initial enrollment period is November 15, 2005 through May 15, 2006.
  • Most people will pay a monthly premium, and may have deductibles and co-pays.
  • Waiting until after May 15, 2006, may result in a higher premium.

Extra help is available for people with limited income and assets.
  • Beginning January 1, 2006 you will get almost all of your drugs through Medicare rather than Medicaid.
  • You will be able to enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan beginning November 15, 2005.
  • If you do not choose a Prescription Drug Plan by December 31, 2005, you will be automatically enrolled in a plan.
  • You will be able to change plans at any time.

You will receive financial assistance through Medicare to help pay premiums, deductibles, and co-pays of your Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.


You can get more information about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage by:

  • Visiting www.Medicare.gov
  • Calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE)
  • Calling 1-800-860-5260 to schedule a free, confidential counseling session with a trained counselor.  These counselors are affiliated with Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas, a service of the Kansas Department on Aging.

 Information on Financial Assistance

 Information on Kansas Plans

 Information for beneficiaries who have current prescription drug coverage through a plan

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 Information on enrolling in a plan