So, do I have to sign up for Medicare Part D again? Or am I still covered if I have it?

[Lil Missy]

I spent an hour trying to get to Customer Service today, and when I FINALLY got through all the recorded auto-response shit to speak to an agent, it said - Sorry, we just closed 5 minutes ago. Arrrgh!

I've also signed up on the Part D page, and studied the website, which gives me a lot of options to sign up for a "new" plan, or stick with my current one. But doesn't tell me shit about whether I need a new one for rule changes effective in 2009, or whether I even need to sign up again to keep my current coverage!

Honestly, I don't know how the elderly ever navigate this maze if I cannot get answers on either the phone or the Internet. And I need to figure this out for my mother too.

I can provide more detail by PM if anyone knows more about this and can help me.

I'd be most appreciative, and will name my next born after you. :)

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I don't think you need to sign up once you're signed up...

Unless you wanted to change your coverage...

I just got old enough for it, and everything I've received says that I'm enrolled now, and no need to change anything!

Hope that helps!

:hug:

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

4. you need to shop plans every year, because they change

the good plan for year 2008 could be the horrible plan for 2009.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

6. That's true...

But it's not mandatory, which is part of what she's asking.

[Lil Missy]

5. Thanks Peg. That helps with my mom still having coverage, but I'm concerned about a change in mine.

:hi:

[Skink]

2. One word. Doughnut hole.

[Lil Missy]

8. What the hell is the "Doughnut Hole"??

:shrug:

[WillYourVoteBCounted]

3. your plan may cost twice as much in 09 or cover 50% less

you should shop the plans every year.

If your pharmacy is any good, they can help you find the plan that saves you
the most money.

Depending on how many meds you take, it can actually save you more money
to pay a higher premium, but sometimes that isnt true.

I made the mistake of keeping the same exact plan at Humana 2 years in a row, a premium plan,
and Humana created a donut hole that didn't exist in the first year.

What they do is hook you the first year, and if you don't pay attention and keep the same plan,
you get really screwed the next year.

I haven't shopped the plans this year, but will do so soon. I think I will see
what my Mom's pharmacy comes up with, but will also go to the gov site and shop.

Luckily, I am able to get some samples for my mothers most expensive meds.

[Lil Missy]

7. Now that really helps. I have Humana too, but there is a change in my eligibility for help with SSD.

Not a change with SSD benefits, but with assistance for Part D premiums and co-pays. I am just BARELY over the SSD benefit level for 2009 to get that assistance.

Trouble is, I don't have any idea whether that means an extra $50 a month, or $1,000!

It never occurred to me to call the pharmacy. That's what I will do next. Thanks!!!

[oldnslo]

11. Humana has a terrible reputation for scrueing people

With come-ons of low rates, then bait-and-switch and eventually costing a lot more than their competition. If you have Humana, always keep checking just to keep them as honest as you can.
Probably the best thing anybody can do quickly is to get off of name-brand, tier 3 or 4 drugs, and go to generics. Big savings will ensue.

[pinto]

9. I'll echo the suggestion to ask your pharmacist. They see most of the plans for your area,

will be the best source for local advice.

In the big picture, I've found that 1.)establishing a one-on-one relationship with a pharmacist and 2.)asking for advice early and often helps avoid some of the glitches inherent in the Part D system.

Also, if you know of others in your area on a similar med regimen as you, and on Part D, ask them what they're finding out about any changes for '09.

When calling Medicare's 800 number, it's best to call *before* 8 AM or after 5 PM (iirc, they're available from 7AM - 7PM.) And mid week seems to go more quickly than a Monday or Friday.

Hang in there.

[Lil Missy]

12. Thanks.

I just called the pharmacy (24 hour), and he said he's been off for 2 months and doesn't know about Part D. Call back in the morning. :eyes: Frankly, it sounded like I woke him up.

I'll try again later.

[oldnslo]

10. Didn't your insurer send you an information packet?

They usually do, and it would tell you about premium changes and copays, plus additions or subtractions from the formulary.

[Lasher]

13. You can switch Part D plans from November 15 through December 31.

Not good to find out later about doughnut hole surprises.

I believe the website you mentioned must be The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare

This is yet another example of failed Republican ideology. They just had to get the private sector involved. It would be better, and would cost less overall, if Part D were handled just like traditional Medicare Part B. I'm hoping the Obama administration will effect just such a change.

[Lil Missy]

17. Ah ha! according to my pharnacist, I would have found that donught hole surprise!

He's sending me a list of alternatives that fit my situation and yearly drug costs.

Whew! I'm glad I asked!

[midnight]

14. Why is this so difficult?

[Lil Missy]

18. Because my Disability is Stupidity.

:eyes:

[Vinca]

15. This is, IMHO, one of the stupidest programs ever passed

by the government. You should not have to shop around each and every year for a company that covers your current meds or a cheaper plan. It should be 1 plan at 1 price that covers everything.

[Lasher]

20. The GOP had to create an artificial role for the private sector.

That role is to add unjustified costs and complexities while diminishing participant value. I'm hoping Obama will change Part D just as you say. And Part C, AKA Medicare Advantage, needs to be rolled back into traditional Part B where it belongs.

[Peace Patriot]

16. Anybody have info on WellCare for Part D? Do they have a sneaky escalation of costs?

Or is there a web site where I can get the info/experience of others using WellCare's plan?

[Lasher]

19. Look Upthread. Do what Lil Missy did.

Call you pharmacist. She got pointed int the right direction that way.