December 2009 – Do you get Medicare coverage for your prescriptions? If you haven’t reviewed your Medicare coverage, get hopping!
A few companies active in the Maine market have cut their Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare C Plans, and if you’re one of the 4,000 Mainers affected by these changes, you’ll lose your Medicare prescription drug benefits if you don’t enroll in a new plan by the end of the month.
Taking pills? Make sure you're keeping your Medicare prescription coverage.
You should also review your coverage to make sure you understand your premiums, any rise in deductibles, and which medications are covered.
The Medicare site has lots of information. Look in the right hand box (Learn More) for Plans in Your Area with Drug Coverage, which allows you to view by county, and compares all the Medicare drug plans available in Maine.
Southern Maine Agency on Aging has a list of sites where you can get individual assistance, but you need to make an appointment. Take a look at the list for a site near you, to get help reviewing your current coverage. You can also call (800) 427-7411, ext. 524. In other parts of the state: Aroostook Agency on Aging, Eastern Area Agency on Aging for the Bangor area, Spectrum Generations for the areas around Augusta, and Seniors Plus for the areas surrounding Lewiston. All have Medicare review clinics scheduled.
Some of the drug store’s websites also have plan information. Rite Aid, for example, will give you the three cheapest plans available in your area, based on your medications. (Brooks is owned by the same company.)
CVS has a Medicare calculator (although it didn’t work when I tried the site).
Whatever way you find information, it’s important that you spend a little time making sure your coverage will continue, and that it’s the best and most affordable plan for you.