SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance needs of Elders)
The Council on Aging has a certified SHINE counselor available to assist elders in the community. SHINE counselors can help elders and Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and other health insurance coverage. Counselors can review present coverage, provide written comparisons of plans, protects elders from paying for bills they should not pay and prevent paying for unnecessary duplicate coverage. Counselors also help with claim forms and applications. They will make referrals when appropriate.
To schedule an appointment with our SHINE Counselor, please call the COA office at 781-659-7878.
MEDICARE IS CHANGING
Many of you are hearing about or receiving information about the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Medicare Part D). This is a new program that will provide prescription coverage and will be available to all Medicare beneficiaries beginning on January 1, 2006. Below is important information about the program.
· Enrollment for the Medicare Drug Plan will be from November 15, 2005 to May 15, 2006
and coverage can begin as early as January 1, 2006.
· There will be a monthly premium that will average $37 per month. Low income
beneficiaries may get help with the premium and other costs. Social Security mailed
information about help for low income individuals in May 2005.
· Plans will begin marketing in October 2005. We don’t know at this time what
companies will be offering plans.
· People who are enrolled in both Medicare and Mass Health must also join the Medicare
Drug Program. They can enroll in a plan or be automatically enrolled. They will continue
to receive health care coverage under Medicare/Mass Health but will get prescription
drug coverage under the Medicare Drug Plan.
· ALL MEDICARE BENEFICIARES WILL NEED TO MAKE A CHOICE ABOUT JOINING
THE MEDICARE DRUG PROGRAM. DELAYED/LATE ENROLLMENT WILL RESULT IN
ADDITIONAL COSTS.
· Do not make a change in your coverage now. Do not drop your prescription coverage
or make a change in your health care coverage. You will receive additional information
through the mail and in the media. You will have time between now and open
enrollment to learn more about the Medicare Drug Program.
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