Q: “Dan, I just received a letter stating I will have to pay a Part D late enrollment penalty next year for not having a drug plan during the months of February through December, 2017. What’s this all about?” A: “Sam, after you turned 65 in October 2016 you had individual coverage with prescription drug […]
Only a fraction of the nearly 3 million New York State residents aged 65 and older are enrolled in the state’s pharmaceutical assistance program known as New York EPIC. When I meet with New York Medicare Part D clients, I ask if their individual income is below the $75,000 threshold, $100,000 if married. If so, […]
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, is upon us. So Sybil, from New York’s Capital Region area, asked me to review whether her Medicare Part D prescription drug plan was the best fit for her three generic and one brand name medications. After doing some research, I met […]
Medicare Extra Help I was delighted to assist this New York based beneficiary who is on a limited income and was not aware of the Medicare Extra Help Savings Program available through a New York State program for Medicare Part B premium or that Social Security offers “Extra Help” with Part D premium and prescription […]
The 2018 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15 and ends December 7, 2017. During this period, I will be hosting a complimentary, no-obligation, Community Meetings to discuss Original Medicare, Medicare Supplement and Prescription Drug plans as well as Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans including the difference between HMO and PPO. The “Medicare & […]
Mark your calendar. October 15th to December 7th is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP.) During this time Medicare beneficiaries can change Medicare Advantage ( Part C) or Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plans with ease. Plan or coverage changes go into effect January 1, 2018. If you are enrolled in a Medicare Plan C or Plan D […]
My clients regularly ask why brand name medications are so expensive. This great article by WSJ reporter Denise Roland helps explain the game. “In traditional marketing, a product line extension is the use of an established brand name for a new item with new flavors, forms, colors, added ingredients, package sizes.” Novo Nordisk repackaged its […]
CMS reports the average 2018 monthly premium for a basic Part D prescription drug plan will be reduced by $1.20 to $33.50. In addition to the monthly premium other Part D variables Medicare beneficiaries should compare are: Plan Formulary – not all plans are alike. Check and confirm your medication is included in the list […]
On January 1, 2006, the US federal government introduced a program to subsidize the costs of prescription drugs and prescription drug insurance premiums for Medicare beneficiaries. You must enroll in a Part C (Medicare Advantage with Drug) or Part D (Stand Alone Prescription Drug) plan to participate in this federal-government-subsidized drug program. Here’s a summary on how […]
…. it’s great to hear results. Just before Thanksgiving I met with a recently widowed woman who was reeling from her loss and struggling to make sense of her health plan costs and dramatically reduced monthly income. When she disclosed her assets and monthly income, I explained to her some programs she was likely eligible for and provided assistance with the enrollment […]