California Health Insurance News 
Articles / Medicare Part D has begun to provide prescription drug coverage
01/11/2006
Many seniors are asking whether they qualify for Medicare part D. The answer is anyone on Medicare (with Part A or Part B) is entitled to drug coverage (known as Part D) regardless of income. No physical exams are required and nobody can be denied for health reasons.
Before the Medicare Part D was announced some clever seniors invested in a Medigap policy and now want to know if they need to enroll in Medicare Part D as well. If the Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) does not help pay for drugs, it won't be affected by Medicare drug coverage. If the Medigap policy covers drugs, it can be kept but then one cannot also be in the Medicare Part D plan. Medigap plans have seldom proven better than Part D plans for drug coverage so if the person decides to switch later, they would likely have to pay the penalty of one percent per month of the delay after May 15th 2006. The alternative is to drop the drug benefit from the policy and enroll in a Medicare plan. The Medigap premium would then be reduced.
"There are so many questions that are asked on a daily basis," said David Thau, an
experienced insurance advisor and CEO and founder of 'Keep It Simple Insurance' in Los Angeles. "Each question deserves a complete answer so that the senior citizen can make an informed decision and know what his or her options are. It is the responsibility of every vendor to invest time with each client and make sure that there are no doubts in the clients mind as to which option is best for them."
Most seniors are members of the AARP and they have recently published a little booklet that covers a wide range of impartial answers to common questions about Medicare Part D. The Internet is also a good source of information. However the best source of information is your personal insurance agent or broker as he or she is familiar with your own unique medical history and is therefore best equipped to give you the most appropriate advice.
