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Medicare Pt. D enrollment begins Now is the time to evaluate your current plan-- has it met your needs this year? If you are satisfied with your plan, you do not have to do anything to re-enroll. The plan may send you a form to fill out and return. Some things to consider when making the decision to change planS: Will my premium and costs change in 2007? Do I need more coverage in 2007? Will the prescription drugs I take be covered by my present plan in 2007? Am I satisfied with the plan's service? If you have any changes to be made, November 15th through December 31, 2006 will be the only time for you make a change to your plan for 2007. What are your qualifications to join? You must have Medicare Part Aand/or B How do I join a plan? By paper application: Contact the company offering the plan you choose and ask for an application. Plan's Website: Join online. Medicare Website: Join the online website at www.medicare.gov Call Medicare: 1-800- 633-4247. Call GEORGIA CARES: 1-800-669-8387 or 478-982- 8526 How do I pay for the coverage? Automatic deduction from your Social Security check. Pay directly to plan by debit to checking account. Pay directly to plan by check or money order. Is it mandatory to join a Medicare Part D plan? No. However, if you do not join when you become eligible, you will experience a 1% per month penalty when you do decide to enroll. What information do I need in a plan? Social Security Number Medicare Number and effective date (red, white and blue card) A complete list of your Prescription medications, dosage, how many each day Household monthly or yearly income (this is to determine eligibility for the Low-Income Subsidy Program, "Extra Help") Resources amount (this is to determine eligibility for the Low-Income Subsidy Program, "Extra Help.") What is "Extra Help"? "Extra Help" is provided to people who meet specific income and resource limits. If you qualify, you will get help paying for your Medicare drug plan monthly premium, yearly deductible, and prescription co-payments. Income limit for a single person is $14,700.00 with resources less than $11,500.00. Income limit for a couple is $19,800.00 with resources less than $23,00.00. How do I pay for "Extra Help"? Call Social Security - 1- 800-772-1213 Social Security Website: Join on-line, www.socialsecurity. gov Call Georgia Cares at 1- 800-669-8387 or 478-982- 8526 If I am a state merit retiree, do I need to enroll in Medicare Part D? Part D is a voluntary program. However, you must keep in mind that if you have Medicare Part A and/or B and you don't enroll when you are eligible, you will be faced with a 1% per month penalty when you do enroll. Also, being a State Merit System Retiree, you will face a State Merit Premium increase, if you don't enroll. State Merit System Insurance is not considered "creditable" coverage. Is there any circumstance that any person does not have to enroll and not get the 1 percent per month penalty? Yes. You must have "creditable" coverage. This is coverage when you already have coverage that is as good as or better than Part D Standard Benefits. Such coverage is TRICARE, VA, FEHBP or from your previous employer. If it is from your previous employer, they will provide you with a notice of that fact. If they do not, ask for it and keep this notice as proof of "creditable" coverage. If you lose this coverage, you must be able to present this notice when you enroll in Part D or you will have to pay the penalty. What is Georgia Cares? Georgia Cares is your State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It is a free, unbiased counseling program provided by the State of Georgia Department of Human Resources, Division of Aging Services. Georgia Cares can also help answer your questions about Medicare A and B, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Long- Term Care Insurance and other types of Health Insurance.
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