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Medicare and the New Part D Prescription Drug Plan by Orysia Nazar Zinycz In recent months, many senior citizens have taken advantage of legislation intended to make prescription drugs more affordable. Many others have found the array of choices somewhat in timidating and confusing. For some, the selection process has proved so overwhelming that the potential savings have become a prize not worth pursuing. Unfortunately, not enrolling in one of the many prescription drug plans available can be costly because it may mean missing out on the substantial savings—even if you buy only one prescription drug monthly. Waiting to see how the plans sort themselves out in the long run can also be costly. This month, in fact, is the deadline for enrolling in a Medicare PDP at a base cost, and anyone enrolling after May 15 will see an increase in premiums. Moreover, for every month you wait after this date, your Part D premium goes up one (1%) percent. This is one good incentive to enroll as soon as possible; another is the time gap between applica tion and coverage. If, for example, you apply in June, your coverage will not begin until July 1. Another issue that seniors or those who assist them to select a suitable plan must consider is that one option available to those who enrolled last year or early this year is about to expire. Until June 30, those already enrolled in a plan can change to different plan. From July 1, except in limited cir cumstances, you cannot switch plans and must keep the same coverage until the end of 2006. To assist seniors who find the selection process too complex and difficult, some pharmacies have instituted helpful programs that personalize the plans. Walgreen's pharmacies, for example, have a computer software program with a database of the most current information about Medicare Rx D insurers. The pharmacy provides a form on which seniors can list their Rx medications. Once this information is entered into the computer, the software calculates which of the available plans best match the needs of the individual seeking coverage. A printout with a number of suitable options is generated and includes the names of providers/ insurers who cover the listed prescriptions, the co payments required for each of the four drug levels (generics, preferred, non-preferred, and special ty), and the cost of monthly premiums for each plan. Other pharmacy chains may have similar programs, and seniors who have not yet chosen a plan should consider investigating this helpful option. The author is a member of UNWLA Branch 56 in Florida, and, until recently, served as the branch Social Services Chair. A Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), her field of expertise was individual and group insurance and retirement plans. Now retired, she remains interested in how these and related issues impact the lives of others, both in her community and in the UNWLA. LEADERSHIP A leader does not say "Get going!" Instead, a leader says "Let's go!" A leader does not walk behind with a whip but out in front with a banner. A leader does not hold people down, but lifts them up. A leader extends a hand to help followers scale the peaks. A leader does not lead by popularity but by being willing to do what needs to be done.
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