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National Empowerment Center

Information on New Medicare coverage of Medications


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Everyone with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drug usage, will have access to prescription drug coverage beginning on January 1, 2006.

The best source of information is the Medicare web site located at http://www.medicare.gov/pdphome.asp. 

There are a number of tools including:

  • The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder

    • This tool allows beneficiaries to find out how much they will pay in premiums and drug costs under each plan in their area.

    • The tool will ask questions based on the coverage beneficiaries have now to provide them with tailored plan comparison information based on what is most important to them, including cost, coverage and convenience.

    • Beneficiaries can get personalized information on particular plans that they think may be a good fit for them. They can also compare what they would pay under a Medicare Advantage plan and a stand-alone plan.

    • Beneficiaries who do not wish to use the tool or are unfamiliar with
      computers can obtain personalized plan comparisons by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227).

  • Landscape of Local Plans State-by-State Breakdown

    • Locate your state on the map, and choose plan details for:

      • Stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans that offer drug coverage only

      • Medicare Advantage or other Health Plans with Prescription Drug Coverage

Important Dates:

  • Nov. 15, 2005 is the first day you can join a plan.

  • Coverage begins Jan. 1, 2006 for people who have joined by Dec. 31, 2005.

  • May 15, 2006 is the last day to join a plan offering coverage for 2006.

  • The next opportunity to enroll is Nov. 15 - Dec. 31, 2006

Extra Help:

  • Check out their Frequently Asked Questions page

  • Or call for live help:

    1-800-MEDICARE
    (1-800-633-4227)
    TTY: 1-877-486-2048

    24 hours a day, 7 days a week