Changes is Medicare benefits: higher medication costs for seniors

2008-11-04 17:11:43 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Government, Health & Law)

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services image compliments Wikipedia

The U.S. Medicare Part D, medication benefit program, will cost seniors 31-60% more for drugs next year. Millions of Americans receiving Medicare are wondering how they will pay in 2009.

November 4, 2008, West Palm Beach, FL (JusticeNewsFlash.com)–The Medicare Part D drug benefit program was initiated, in 2006 by the federal government, to provide government-subsidized coverage of prescription drugs. This would be available to Medicare recipients through private insurance companies. About 26 million seniors and other eligible Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in the Part D drug benefit. An analysis by Avalere Health LLC, a consulting firm, recently revealed premiums for Medicare recipients are expected to rise 31-60% in 2009. Some insurers are even sharply increasing medication co-payments which are generally paid each time a medication is bought.

The government health and law reporters at JusticeNewsFlash are urging Medicare recipients to read the medication coverage information during the open enrollment period this year.

Many Medicare drug plans are increasing premiums and medication co-payments for 2009. Here’s what you need to know:

-Open enrollment occurs November 15 thru December 31, 2008.
-Read the entire Medicare Part D open enrollment packet.
-Call your Insurer with questions regarding changes to your plan.
-Confirm your expected costs with your insurance company.
-Go to http://www.medicare.gov to ensure your plan offers you the best medication premium and co-payment plan.

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Media Contributor: Heather L. Ryan for JusticeNewsFlash.com specializing in FDA safety and alert information, elder abuse and neglect stories, wrongful death lawsuits, veterans affairs medical malpractice cases, and product liability legal actions.