Last edited 04/17/08

Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Update

After a heated debate, the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 was signed into law by President Bush on December 8, 2003. Current basic information on the drug benefit.

What does this mean for me?

• Can I enroll? - Enrollment for the drug discount card plan is available to eligible Medicare-enrolled individuals who are not receiving any prescription assistance from the Maryland Medicaid program. You will be able to pick a drug discount program from at least two drug discount programs in Maryland. Here are 3 Steps to Decide on the card for you.

• How much will I pay? - If you are a Medicare enrollee with income less than or equal to a qualifying percentage of the Federal Poverty Level you will receive prescription assistance through the program.

• Will I be able to change my program? - You will be allowed to enroll at any time. You may change your discount plan during an "annual coordinated election period".  You may also change plans if you move out of a service area, or into a long-term care facility, or dis-enroll from a Medicare managed health plan.

• How do I find more information? - Medicare offers provide information about the prescription drug prices offered by approved discount programs on its website, and over the phone at 1-800-Medicare. You can also contact the MD Health Insurance Assistance Program

The Kaiser Family Foundation, an independent philanthropy focusing on major health care issues, has updated its online Medicare Drug Benefit Calculator, which allows you to enter your annual prescription drug costs and predict what you might pay under the Medicare plan passed by Congress.

Source: Maryland Legal Assistance Network (MLAN), updated by the Maryland State Law Library (MSLL).

 Last date of legal review 4/17/08 (PLL/M.A.J.)

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