Getting Started

Step 1: In considering the Medicare Prescription Drug Program, you must first understand where you are today and the options available. Follow the link below. Getting Started on Making Your Decision on Medicare Drug Plan

Step 2: Those considering the options in the program, need to understand how the basic plan works. Follow the link below. How the Basic Medicare Drug Plan Works

Step 3: Before signing up for any of the plans, those with limited resources should see if they qualify for help. Follow the link below. Medicare Drug Plan: Extra Help for People with Limited Resources

Step 4: Many seniors are taking another look at Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage: Is it Time for an HMO or PPO in Your Future?

More to come

Key Dates for Enrollment in 2006 May 2005 • Social Security Administration (SSA) began mailing and accepting applications for those who may qualify for the low-income subsidy. September 2005 • Medigap (supplemental) insurance companies sent notices to policyholders with drug coverage informing them of their options. • Employers/unions who provide prescription drug coverage to their retirees will directly notify them about their prescription drug coverage choices. October 2005 • Comparative information about Medicare prescription drug plans will be available at www.medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE or through state health insurance assistance programs and other local organizations. • Medicare Advantage plans notify plan enrollees about enhanced drug plan coverage options. • People with Medicare and Medicaid will get information about how they will be automatically enrolled in a plan if they do not choose one on their own. November 2005 • Enrollment for Medicare prescription drug plans begins November 15. January 2006 • Medicare prescription drug coverage begins January 1 for those who enrolled in a plan by December 31, 2005. May 15, 2006 The deadline to enroll to get coverage this year is May 15, 2006. For the complete Fact Sheet on the Medicare Drug Program - Click Here

This graph depicts the break-even point on the average prescription drug plan. See table and more on the basic plan - click here.

Below are links to find more help.

Tips and tools by Medicare to help you make your drug program decisions.

    Medicare Drug Program Tips and Tools

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This is an interactive site by Medicare to help you estimate your cost.

    Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Cost Estimator

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My.Medicare.gov - the Medicare Beneficiary Portal is an internet portal allowing registered beneficiaries the ability to view entitlement, enrollment, deductible, and address of record information. Additionally, it provides beneficiaries with preventive service information and the option for web chat assistance for any technical questions. My.Medicare.gov is currently in the fifth phase of a national rollout to be completed this month. At present, the Medicare Beneficiary Portal is available to beneficiaries in the following states and territories: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virgin Islands, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming and Wisconsin.

    My.Medicare.gov National Rollout Underway

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Here is where you can go to find the plans available in your area.

    Medicare Plan Map

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This is the Medicare Drug Plan program, which is a system designed by Medicare to help walk you through your decision-making about a plan to join. You can also join on this page when enrollment begins.

    Finding a Medicare Plan

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The Medicare Rx Education Network provides information and assistance with outreach and enrollment for the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.

    Medicare Rx Education Network

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These books differ by region, because in the back of each book is information on the specific prescription drug plans available in that area. Follow this link to find the book for your area.

    Medicare and You 2006

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There is local help available in your area.

    Local Medicare Help in Your State (SHIP agencies)

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For additional information about the benefit, contact a Medicare representative by calling

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Or call Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) to locate local one-on-one counselors and resources.

Medicare Drug Card Not Necessary to Get Drugs on January 1

Medicare says if you've joined but don't have insurance card don't worry

Dec. 27, 2005 – It's crunch time. Senior citizens are still signing up for the Medicare prescription drug plan that is set to begin on Jan. 1 and most will not have an insurance card to show their pharmacy. Medicare says don't worry. You can get your prescription filled before you receive you membership card. Read more...

Seniors Who Don't Take Drugs Can Wait Until May 15 to Join Medicare Plan

Find a plan that will cost the least for not using it before enrollment ends

By Tucker Sutherland, editor

Dec. 27, 2005 – Senior citizens who do not take any prescription drugs may want to wait until 2006 to join a Medicare prescription drug plan. You are penalized for the rest of your life for not joining during this initial enrollment period, but this does not end until May 15, 2006, although the plans begin coverage on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2006. The strategy is to also find the plan that will cost you the least for not using it. Read more...