SMETHPORT -ðThe AARP PA held an educational program Thursday at
the Smethport firehall about Medicare Part D, which will be
available soon to help people pay for prescription drugs.

Estella Hyde, executive community services volunteer for AARP
PA, reviewed the program which begins on Jan. 1.

All those people enrolled in Medicare, the federal health care
program for those over 65 years of age and some people with certain
disabilities, are eligible for drug coverage in Plan D, and no one
can be denied coverage due to health history or income level.

Participation in Medicare Part D is strictly voluntary, Hyde
said. While there are 52 Medicare prescription drug plans available
in parts of Pennsylvania, a person’s permanent residence determines
which ones are available in a particular area, Hyde said.

To obtain a list of insurance companies offer prescription drug
coverage in McKean County, Hyde advised the more than 70 people in
attendance to contact the Pennsylvania APPRISE Program at
1-800-783-7067 or at www.aging.state.pa.us.

The enrollment period opens on Nov. 15.

May 15 is the deadline for enrolling without facing a
substantial penalty.

“The penalty,” Hyde said, “is 1 percent for each month that a
choice has not been made after becoming eligible. For example, if a
persons delays one year, that premium increases 12 percent per year
and that penalty is added for one’s lifetime premiums.”

However, each year there will be an open enrollment period,
typically Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, when people may enroll in or
change to another insurance plan to receive the Medicare
prescription drug coverage.

Many people ask, “Should I enroll in a Part D plan?”

“That all depends on your present coverage, and whether it is
‘creditable,'” Hyde answered. “‘Creditable’ refers to drug coverage
offered by other plans, such as those from a current employer, that
provides the person with coverage at least as good as the standard
Medicare prescription coverage.”

That coverage includes an average monthly premium of $32, a $250
deductible, a drug plan that covers 75 percent of drug costs
between $250 and 2,250, as well as paying 95 percent of any
additional drug costs over $5,100.

Members of a Medicare Health Plan, called a Medicare Advantage,
Medicare+ Choice, or Medicare HMO, that offers drug coverage will
continue to be covered under Part D.

For those who get prescription drugs from the Veterans
Administration, VA, CHAMPUS, and TRI-CARE benefits are not affected
by Part D, so there is no need to switch to a a Part D plan.

Drug assistance programs under Pennsylvania’s PACE and PACENET
will continue. Even though Hyde called these voluntary programs,
among the best in the nation,” people should consult with PACE
representatives about what steps they should take concerning
Medicare Part D.

When people make a decision about choosing a Part D plan, they
should consider the cost, coverage, and convenience.

“Choose a plan that is affordable,” Hyde advised. “Also,
remember, if a medication is not on an approved list, you pay for
it. And, since this is a rural area, choose an approved pharmacy
that is nearby.”

Hyde noted that is permissible to acquire information from all
insurance companies approved by Medicare in one’s residence
area.

“Comparing them is the easiest way to make an informed choice.
But, remember, each person must choose the best plan that suits
their needs. A husband and wife may not always choose the same
plan.”

Hyde cautioned the people about possible cases of fraud in
selling prescription drug plans.

She said, “Be on the lookout for companies that sell
door-to-door or those that use high-pressure tactics over the phone
for people to sign up immediately. Above all, do not reveal Social
Security numbers or credit card information over the phone.”

The Medicare Education Committee of the AARP PA office in
Harrisburg decided not to conduct prescription drug plan programs
until this fall so the presenters had as much as information as
possible, according to Hyde.

Thursday’s session was one of 31 which are to be presented
around the state.

“After our first meeting in an area, we will return for
additional meetings,” said Hyde.