Medicare Premiums

For the first time, Medicare will help pay for prescription drugs. If you get help from Medicaid to pay your Medicare premiums now, you will get extra help for your drug costs through Medicare Part D.

It's easy to enroll.

This fall, each person in Medicare will have the chance to sign up for a new Medicare prescription drug plan. You can enroll between November 15, 2005 and May 15, 2006. If you enroll by December 31, 2005, your benefits will start on January 1, 2006. If you join after that, your benefits will start the first day of the following month. (For example, if you sign up on February 15, 2006 your benefits will start on March 1, 2006.)

You decide which program is right for you.

No one has to sign up for Medicare Part D. If you have no coverage for your medicines now and do not sign up during the initial enrollment period, you may have to pay higher premiums if you enroll later. If you have drug coverage through a retiree plan, your spouse’s work, a union, or other program, you may keep that coverage if you wish.

If you want to keep the plan you have now, it is VERY IMPORTANT that you make sure your drug plan covers as much or more than a Medicare drug plan. If it does not, and you decide later to sign up for a Medicare drug plan, you may have to pay higher premiums. You will get a notice from your employer or union that tells you if your current drug plan covers as much or more than a Medicare drug plan.

You also may call the Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program at 800-463-2828.

You will have a choice of plans.

There are at least ten (10) plans in Oklahoma. These are offered by private companies approved by Medicare.

You may not have to pay a monthly premium for this program.

Since you qualify for Extra Help, you will pay no premiums and very small deductibles and co-payments. You also will have no gaps or breaks in your drug coverage.

You have until December 31st to choose your preferred drug plan.

Medicare will send you more information about the prescription drug plans available in Oklahoma. When you have made your decision, call the plan of your choice and they will help you enroll.

Medicare is always there to answer your questions.

To learn more about any part of the Medicare prescription drug program or any Medicare topic, call Medicare at 800-633-4227 (800-MEDICARE). The phone lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can also go to the Medicare Web site.