BASIC FACTS

>  Medicare Web Site
The official U.S. government Web site for people with Medicare. www.medicare.gov
 
>  Coverage options
Medicare provides an online tool that helps beneficiaries understand what steps to take next. www.medicare.gov

Click here to view or download a pdf copy of our Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage brochure.

 >  Medicare Rx Education Network
This site is an information and education source for people who can enroll in the Medicare drug coverage.  www.medicarerxeducation.org

 >  Veterans' Administration Benefits (PDF)
Department of Health and Human Services' fact sheet explaining how the new Medicare coverage coordinates with Veterans Affairs (VA) health care benefits.

Since January 1, 2006, Medicare has offered prescription drug coverage to people with Medicare. Everyone with Medicare now has access to prescription drug coverage, regardless of their income. You can choose coverage for this important health need, and Medicare will help pay for it.

For those with limited incomes, there is extra help providing comprehensive coverage with no or low premiums and low or no deductibles. Medicare will provide coverage to help you pay for both the brand-name and generic drugs you need.

Medicare drug plans vary in what prescription drugs they cover, how much you have to pay, and which pharmacies you can use.To get Medicare prescription drug coverage, you must choose and join a Medicare drug plan. Remember, if you do not use a lot of prescription drugs now, you still should consider joining. As we age, most people need prescription drugs to stay healthy.

Get extra help paying for prescription drugs
People with Medicare who have limited income and resources may qualify for extra help paying for prescription drugs. The Social Security Administration (SSA) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are working together to provide this extra assistance.

• People with both Medicare and Medicaid (called “dual eligibles”) will automatically qualify for extra help.
   
• Other individuals may apply for extra help from the SSA, if you have limited income below ($14,700 for an individual or $19,800 for a married couple).
  Apply online at  www.socialsecurity.gov or call the SSA at 1.800.772.1213 for a paper application or to make an appointment. You may also call the Council for Older Adults at (740) 363-6677 or (800) 994-2255.

Get help enrolling in a plan
Get free one-on-one help with Medicare drug coverage and enrollment questions at  the Council for Older Adults or at the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program www.ohioinsurance.gov  (OSHIIP is staffed with counselors to help people with Medicare understand the new drug coverage )or call the Council at 740-363-6677 or 800-994-2255.

Additional information
Learn about and enroll in government benefits, including the new Medicare prescription drug coverage as well as other healthcare and prescription drug assistance programs and resources for reducing the costs of prescription drugs.
BenefitsCheckUpRx Web site at www.benefitscheckup.org

Or you may also call the Council at (740) 363-6677 or (800) 994-2255.