Highlighted Topics

• 2008-09 Governor’s Budget—California Department of Aging (CDA)
• Be Prepared California
• Get Healthy California
• Health Care Reform
• Long-Term Care Guide
• Security Awareness Training
• Senate Recognizes Department of Aging for Health Promotion in Workplace

Latest News

• 2008 Economic Stimulus Rebate Information
  • Scams - An IRS Warning
• Tips to Prevent Heat Related Illness
• Medicare Fraud Toolkit to Assist Consumers in Protecting Their Medicare Benefits from Fraud and Abuse.
• Do you know, after February 17th, 2009, all full power television stations will broadcast in digital signals only?
  
• Information for Homeowners Facing Foreclosure

Upcoming Events

• Nov. 17-20, 2008
  C4A Annual Meeting
  and Allied Conference

Medicare - Quick Facts for Consumers

A Message to Medicare Consumers:

November 15, 2006 through December 31, 2006 is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period for 2007. Coverage decisions and changes for the year 2007 need to be made prior to December 31, 2006. This is the time for people to compare and enroll in a Medicare Part D plan.

All people who currently have Medicare Part D coverage should evaluate the changes in their current plan, since changes may now make other plans available that cost less and offer additional coverage.

If you are just becoming eligible for Medicare, you have seven months to enroll in a Medicare Drug Plan, three months before the month in which you turn 65 through three months after the month in which you turn 65.  If you do not enroll during that seven month period, you will be charged a 1% per month late-enrollment penalty in addition to your premium.  (Please note:   The information in this paragraph does not apply if you have both Medicare and Medi-Cal coverage.)

The following information will help Medicare consumers understand this new benefit and make informed, cost-effective and timely decisions regarding their Medicare prescription drug choices.  For additional assistance, you can also call your local HICAP program at 1-800-434-0222 and speak to a HICAP counselor.

Tips for evaluating Medicare Health Plans can be accessed at: Open Enrollment Tips.

Getting Started:

• Basic Information to Help You Get Started (English) (Spanish)



• BenefitsCheckUp - helps thousands of people every day to connect to government programs that can help them pay for prescription drugs, health care, utilities and other needs.



• Medicare Offers Tips When Enrolling in Prescription Drug Plans



• Quick Facts About Your Current Prescription Drug Coverage and Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs. This fact sheet explains to people who have current prescription drug coverage, whether their current coverage is considered creditable.



• Helpful Information About Medicare's Prescription Drug Plans



• Prepare a List of Your Current Medications - 2 page basic worksheet.



• MapRx - comprehensive worksheets to compare cost and other decision factors.



• Find a Prescription Drug Plan that Best Fits Your Needs



• Medicare Spotlights - includes a listing of California Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Landscape of Local Plans).



• Link to Medicare Publications in Spanish



• Link to Multi-Language Medicare Publications

Additional Resources:

• You Have Rights!!  - Information when you use your prescription drug card for the first time. (English) (Spanish)
  
  
• Getting Drugs After Your Transition Period - (English) (Spanish)
  
  
• California Health Advocates Fact Sheets - (Some fact sheets are also available in Spanish, Chinese and Vietnamese)



• Quick Facts About Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage and Protecting Your Personal Information



• Medicare Beneficiaries Urged to Be on the Lookout for Phone Scams

Information on Exceptions and Appeals (When Your Medication Is Not Covered By Your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan)

• How to File a Complaint, Coverage Determination or Appeal   (English) (Spanish)



• Information on Complaints, Coverage Determination and Appeals



• Know the Basics:  Exceptions and Appeals

Part D Information for Individuals with both Medicare and Medi-Cal:

• Answers to Frequently Asked Questions for Individuals Who Have Both Medicare and Medi-Cal

Part D Information on Withholding Your Premium from Your Social Security Check:

• What You Should Know About Social Security Premium Withholds



• Withholding Premiums from Your Social Security Payment

Part D Information for Individuals with Disabilities

• Getting Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs Information for Medicare Beneficiaries with Disabilities
  (English) (Spanish)

Part D Information for Individuals with SSI or Who Need Help Paying for Medications:

• Need Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs?
  (English) (Spanish)



• What You Need to Complete the Application for Help with
  Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs
  (English) (Spanish) (Other Languages)



• Medicare Takes Step to Help People with Limited Incomes and Resources Take Advantage of Comprehensive Medicare
  Coverage



• Enrollment Information for Individuals Who Qualify for the Low Income Subsidy After May 15, 2006



• Quick Facts About Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs for People with Limited Income and Resources.



• Getting Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs When Someone Pays Your Household Expenses (English) (Spanish)

Part D Information for Individuals in Nursing Homes or Long-Term Care Facilities:

• Quick Facts About Medicare's New Prescription Drug Coverage for People Who are Nursing Home Residents or Live in Certain Types of Long-Term Care Facilities (English) (Spanish)



• Getting Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs Information for Someone Who Cares For or About a Medicare Beneficiary
  (English) (Spanish)



• Medicare Part D for Nursing Home Residents:  Frequently Asked Questions

Part D Information for Individuals Who Have Medication Coverage from an Employer or Union:

• Quick Facts About Medicare's New Coverage for Prescription Drugs for People Who Have Coverage from an Employer or Union
  (English) (Spanish)

Part D Information for Veterans:

• U.S. Department of Veterans' Affairs Health Eligibility Information



• Medicare Guidance

Part D Information for Individuals Who Have Insurance with TriCare:

• OSD Information on TriCare and Medicare



• Medicare Guidance

Part D Information for Individuals with Federal Employee Health Benefits:

• Letter from OPM about Medicare Part D



• Medicare Guidance

Californians, for information
on services in your area for
seniors or adults with
disabilities, call toll-free:
1-800-510-2020

Outside California, call the toll-free
Eldercare Locator service
at 1-800-677-1116

Click here for 104-page Spanish version!