| Medicare Modernization Act & Reenrollment Information for Oregon Residents |
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| Updates Added as Details Become Available |
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One way we each can help Oregonians who are financially challenged is to join the statewide effort to raise awareness about the upcoming changes to the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. Many of these changes will financially affect elderly, disabled, and special needs clients in Oregon.
The new program can potentially result in a significant improvement in drug coverage for many low-income beneficiaries. However, to take advantage of the new program, participants will need to learn about the various coverage plans available and enroll in a plan of their choice by the deadline.
Help us by spreading the word about the importance of enrollment by directing family, neighbors and clients in need to the information on the plans available. Please include a link to this page in e-mails and other correspondence with those who are or who may know someone who is affected by the Medicare Modernization Act.
OHCS will continue to provide information throughout the enrollment period as details become available. We encourage you to explore the links in the right column of this page and check back often.
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| Brief Overview |
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The following are a few quick facts about the new Medicare Prescription Drug program:
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Beginning January 1, 2006, new Medicare prescription drug plans will be available to all people with Medicare.
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In order to get the coverage, people must enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan between November 15, 2005 and May 15, 2006. If they fail to select a plan by May 15, 2006, there will be penalties (increased cost of premiums) for each month they wait.
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Medicare prescription drug plans will provide insurance coverage for prescription drugs (brand name and generic). Like other insurance, people will pay a monthly premium (generally about $37/month in 2006) and a yearly deductible (up to the first $250 in 2006). They will also pay a share of the cost of their prescriptions. Costs will vary depending on the drug plan chosen.
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Financial assistance is available to help pay for the coverage for people with limited income: individuals or married couples with income less than 150 percent of poverty.
For specific details, we encourage you to explore the links in the right column of this page.
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| For More Information |
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For specialized help, clients are directed to www.medicare.gov or can call 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227).
Clients can also contact the Senior Health Insurance Benefit Assistance (SHIBA) Program to get local plan information: 1.800.722.4134.
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