Seniors Scramble As Medicare Deadline Nears

CBS2CHICAGO ^ | 7 MAY 2006 | AP

[NRA2BFree]

I don't know what they've been waiting for. I've been enrolled since January 1st and it's saving me money.

Who did you sign up with? I've been meaning to see about getting my dad signed up, but there are too many plans to choose from.

[goodnesswins]

What's the income level that makes you ineligible for this? Just curious.

[Cobra64]

Not only pure socialism but unconstitutional and should be eliminated along with SS, Medicare, and all other social programs.Sounds like you're a Conservative. Too bad there are not more of us on this planet.

[Freee-dame]

bump

[holyscroller]

On our medical plan (Secure Horizons) the drug plan is free, but doesn't kick in until you are out of pocket $250. Prior to signing up, I was buying my meds out of Canada at about 50% of U.S. prices. I prefer that over the gubmint drug plan.

By the way, how come they want to stop medicines from coming across the border, but it's OK for millions of Mexicans to come in????

[Spunky]

"I wonder why the difference, I signed both of us up for the same thing and it was $5.41."

It depends on which state you live in? I don't know why the difference in difference states, but it is.

[Spunky]

"What is the advantage if you already have prescription coverage under your health care plan? With my employer paid retiree Blue Cross plan, the copay is only $5.

If you got a letter from you Blue Cross Plan saying the plan you are on now is as good or better than the Medicare Rx D plan then you do not have to change and if down the road you decide to change to the Medicare Rx D plan you will not be penalized. Be sure to keep that letter though.

My husband and I were on the Premera Blue Cross Medigap with Rx coverage. This reimbursed us 1/2 of our Rx up to $3500 after the $250 deductible. We recieved a letter saying it was not as good as the Medicare Rx D and after research I saw that it wasn't. So we kept the Premera Blue Cross (without) the Rx for our medigap and then got Humana for our Rx.

[Spunky]

"I agree, but if they are giving I will take it. Survival of the fittest."

And so will they.

Those who scream the loudest will probably be the first in line.

[Spunky]

"Acording to my agent, unless one is already paying 800.00 a year in prescriptions, no plan is of any benefit. Personally, if I was taking that much medicine, I just might off myself. and do everyone a favor."

Obviously you have no idea what prescriptions cost.

My husbands was running over $250 a month after he had an aortic valve replacement and needed to take Rx.

I hope no one misses you after you off yourself, I sure would have missed my husband.

[Spunky]

"Who did you sign up with? I've been meaning to see about getting my dad signed up, but there are too many plans to choose from."

You need to get all your fathers medications and the amount he takes and then go to the www.Medicare.gov site and find the link for the Medicare Rx plan. The first thing (if I recall) that comes up is to sign up, don't do that just scroll down until you find the General search. They will have you put in all his RX. If you are on dial up, it is a slow process. If I recall there is a button you can click that then will bring up all the plans in HIS area and if you click the right button it will bring up the CHEAPEST PLAN FOR YOUR DAD on down. You can then compare three plans. Once you decide which plan is the one you want call them and sign up. You will also find out what pharmacy's honor the plan you pick. You need to get this done before I think the 14th of May or he will pay a 1% penalty for every month that goes by and this penalty will remain as part of his premium cost forever.

You may want to call your local Senior Citizens Center and see if they have computers there and can help.

Hope this helps.

P.S. If he is a veteran and gets Rx benefits through them he does not need to sign up.

[Spunky]

"What's the income level that makes you ineligible for this? Just curious."

There is NO income level that makes you ineligible.

If you are 65 and apply for, or have Medicare coverage you are eligible.

Now if your income is below (can't remember the exact amounts) around $30,000 for married couples or $15,000 for single YOU THEN DO NOT HAVE TO PAY THE PREMIUM.

[goodnesswins]

Hmmmmm....trying to figure out why my MIL told me they were NOT eligible.....???

[Spunky]

".....trying to figure out why my MIL told me they were NOT eligible.....???"

Not sure what MIL stands for. I presume something to do with Medicare?

They were probably telling you they were not eligible for the LOW INCOME, pay no premium.

[mysterio]

I'm curious to know how many people who were dead set against this massive new entitlement went ahead and signed right up for it. Kind of like the dems who took the tax cuts, IMHO.

[Spunky]

I think the confusion lies in the fact that when this was first starting they sent out a form to fill out and see if you were eligible for the LOW INCOME, NO PAY PREMIUM. Lots of people got those back saying they were not eligible. Misunderstanding the meaning they just assumed they were not eligible for the Medicare Rx D plan, when in fact ALL 65 who have Medicare are elligible, just not the Free Premium Part if your income is over a certain amount.

[Spunky]

"I'm curious to know how many people who were dead set against this massive new entitlement went ahead and signed right up for it."

I imagine those who were dead set against it were not of the age to qualify for it in the first place.

[goodnesswins]

MIL = Mother in law

[Spunky]

"MIL = Mother in law"

LOL! I never would have guessed that one.

You might want to advise her to check into it again as like I said, I know lots of people misunderstood what that letter to qualify was all about.

[Retired Chemist]

I selected AARP's plan.

[NRA2BFree]

Hope this helps.

Yes it does! Thank you very much!!