Medicare Part D
Thursday, March 27, 2008

Medicare Part D is a federal program to subsidize the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries. Dr. Ken Davis discusses how the plan works in today’s 60 Second Housecall.

Medicare Part D provides prescription drug subsidy coverage for Medicare recipients. Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income and resources, health status or current prescription expenses.

You can sign up when you first become eligible for Medicare. If you don’t sign up when you are first eligible, you may pay a penalty.

There are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage. You can join a Medicare prescription drug plan or you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan that offers drug coverage.

You will pay a monthly premium, which varies by plan, and a yearly deductible. You will also pay a part of the cost of your prescriptions, including a co-payment or coinsurance. If you have limited income and resources, and you qualify for extra help, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible.  Talk with your physician or pharmacist to find the best plan for you.

For North Mississippi Medical Center, I’m Dr. Ken Davis.