Drug plan not just for poor

KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Q. I've heard that the new Medicare drug benefit is only for seniors with low incomes. I am not likely to quality for low-income assistance because of my pension but still need help with my drug costs. What can I do? -- Beth
A. Here's some good news. The Medicare drug benefit is available to everyone on Medicare -- not just those with low incomes. Beginning Nov. 15, the 42 million people on Medicare will be able to sign up for a Medicare prescription drug plan, with coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2006.
What you may have heard about is the extra help that will be available to people on Medicare with low incomes and modest savings. While the drug benefit is for all people on Medicare, those with monthly incomes of $1,200 or less ($1,600 per couple) and with assets of less than $11,500 ($23,000 per couple) can apply for additional assistance that could substantially reduce or even eliminate their Medicare prescription drug plan premiums, deductibles and cost-sharing requirements. Even though you think your income is too high and you won't qualify for extra help, you may want to check with your local Social Security Administration office or your state's Medicaid program.
The Medicare drug benefit is expected to reduce drug costs for most people who enroll in a prescription drug plan -- not just those with low incomes. For many people, this coverage could be a good deal, since Medicare is subsidizing the cost. One of the most valuable features is that prescription drug plans will cover 95 percent of costs, after enrollees have paid $3,600 out-of-pocket. This could provide enormous relief to seniors with high drug bills.
One more clarification: The new drug benefit is not just for seniors; it is also available to more than 6 million people who are younger than 65 and qualify for Medicare because they have permanent disabilities.
XThis column was prepared by the Kaiser Family Foundation, an independent, nonprofit private foundation based in Menlo Park, Calif., not affiliated with the Kaiser Permanente health plan. Send questions about the new Medicare drug benefit to Medicare Q & amp; A, The Kaiser Family Foundation, 1330 G St., NW, Washington, DC 20005 or MedicareQ@kff.org.