About the new Medicare prescription drug coverage (Medicare D)

The Medicare program announced that "Everyone with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drug usage, will have access to prescription drug coverage beginning on January 1, 2006." There are a number of Medicare prescription drug plans available, and Medicare recipients will want to carefully compare the costs and benefits of each available plan before subscribing to one. Each plan charges a premium, and the amount of the premium, as well as the pharmaceutical drugs that are covered by the plan will differ among plans.

There are several resources that can help Medicare recipients make a wise choice of prescription drug plans. As you begin your research, find out what prescription coverage will continue to be provided through any private or employer-sponsored insurance plans that you may already have. Also, have a list of your medications and your health care providers on hand, and make sure that they will be covered by the plan you are interested in..

Keep in mind that there are deadlines for enrolling without penalty in a plan.

Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)

A MMAP trained volunteer counselor will work with you in reviewing your prescription drug needs and in assisting you in selecting a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). Call 1-800-803-7174 to reach a MMAP volunteer counselor within your community. All services are provided free of charge. Toll-free hotline 1-800-803-7174.

Medicare

The Medicare site offers official information on the new prescription drug coverage program. Phone 1-800-MEDICARE.

Social Security Administration

"The new Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (P.L. 108-173), enacted December 8, 2003, requires the Social Security Administration (SSA) to undertake a number of additional Medicare-related responsibilities. SSA and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are working together to provide persons with limited income and resources extra help paying for their prescription drugs. Social Security's role in this partnership is to help the public understand how they may qualify and apply." Phone 1-800-772-1213.

Michigan Health Resources

Provides information for health care providers, beneficiaries, and long term care facilities regarding the prescription drug coverage program.

Partnership for Prescription Assistance - Michigan

The Partnership for Prescription Assistance is a nationwide program bringing together America's biopharmaceutical research companies, health care providers, patient advocacy organizations and community groups to help qualifying patients who lack prescription coverage get themedicines they need through the public or private program that is right for them. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance of Michigan (PPA) is the state chapter of this unprecedented nationwide initiative. Through a toll-free number and user-friendly website, the PPA offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.

American Academy of Family Physicians

Offers links related to the Medicare D program for physicians and health care consumers.