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Medicare Drug Program
Medicare Drug Plan Provider Offers Advice to Seniors
Facing May 15 Deadline
Analysis of 50,000 enrollees finds confusion,
misunderstanding & frustration was rampant
April 25, 2005 – The volume of information from
Medicare and drug plans has been overwhelming to senior citizens trying
to join the Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, but those who have
not joined should not be discouraged, says Connextions Health. They also
offer advice to those not enrolled as the May 15 deadline nears. The
company bases the information on experience in assisting over 50,000
senior citizens to enroll.
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The extensive review of the Part D customer
experience was undertaken on behalf of a number of private health
insurance companies currently serving as Part D plan administrators who
have engaged Connextions Health to assist them in the enrollment
process, which began on November 15, 2005.
Connextions Health's experience with senior
citizens seeking Part D coverage shows that:
● Seniors initially were overwhelmed by the
sheer volume of information available from the federal government and
plan providers.
● Many seniors mistakenly believe if they are
not currently taking prescription drugs it is unnecessary for them to
enroll in a Part D plan. Many do not appreciate the protection that Part
D can provide against unexpected catastrophic prescription drug expense.
● Many seniors do not understand that there is a
1% monthly premium penalty if they fail to enroll by May 15, 2006. If an
individual waits 8-1/2 years to join Part D, the annual premium will be
approximately double what those who enroll by the May 15 deadline will
pay.
● Seniors are most confused about a payment gap
in Part D coverage, known as the "doughnut hole." During that period,
consumers pay the entire cost of drugs up to a certain amount.
● Many seniors are frustrated by the
calculations required to determine which type of Part D coverage is most
appropriate for them, based on their existing drug regimen.
"Based on what Connextions Health has learned from
this Part D enrollment process - which may be the largest nationwide
sampling to date - we believe that those seniors who are still facing
the May 15 deadline can apply valuable lessons that may ease their
enrollment experience," said Thomas Young, M.D., who serves as Senior
Vice President and Corporate Medical Director at Connextions Health.
Dr. Young noted that the problems encountered by
seniors to date, combined with the related publicity, have served as a
disincentive for those not yet enrolled.
"Seniors should not be discouraged by what they
have heard or read about, and still have sufficient time to enroll with
far fewer problems than they might expect," he noted.
Based on its Part D experience with consumers,
Connextions Health counsels seniors who have not yet enrolled to:
1. Remain in any prescription drug coverage plan
through a former employer or other source that's considered to be
"credible coverage." As long as you have this coverage, you won't be
penalized if you sign up for a Part D plan at a later date.
2. Enroll in a low cost plan now, even if you
are not currently taking medication to justify coverage. This will
protect against unexpected drug costs as well as the government's 1%
monthly penalty for not enrolling by May 15.
3. Do your homework. Choose a plan which best
fits your individual needs and is going to cover most if not all of your
medications.
4. Have a complete listing of your current
medical information and prescription needs available before making a
phone inquiry to a plan provider.
5. Shop around for a plan with the lowest
co-pay. If possible, enroll with a plan that has no deductible. Be sure
your pharmacies are part of the plan.
6. Understand your plan, and don't be rushed
into a decision. Part D is a complex program, and most people require
time to understand its basic concepts.
7. Not worry if you don't enroll in the perfect
plan right now. If you are not satisfied, you will be allowed to switch
plans next year without penalty.
Connextions Health (http://www.connextionshealth.com/)
provides health plans and employers; healthcare providers; and
government agencies & policy makers with strategic direction and a broad
range of services designed to address the challenges and opportunities
of the consumer-driven healthcare marketplace.
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