Understanding drug benefit

KNIGHT RIDDER NEWSPAPERS
Q. I've heard so many bits and pieces of information about the Medicare drug benefit. Can you give me a quick overview of what I should know? -- Betty
A. Dear Betty,
Here are five questions and answers to get you started:
1. When will I get information about the new Medicare drug plans? Sometime before Nov. 15, you should receive a booklet from Medicare with a list of private plans offered in your area. If you have a Medigap policy or retiree health benefits, you should also get a letter from your employer or insurer explaining your options when the Medicare drug benefit starts. You can do your own research on the plans by going to Medicare's Web site at www.Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
2. How do I choose Medicare drug plans? Check to see if drugs that you take -- especially your most expensive drugs -- are covered by the plans offered in your area. Compare the price for each of your prescriptions. Check to see if your local pharmacy is in the plan's network. And, of course, compare monthly premiums.
Enrolling
3. When can I enroll in a plan? You can begin enrolling Nov. 15, and you have until May 15 to enroll in a plan for 2006. After May 15, you will generally have to wait until Nov. 2006 to sign up for drug coverage for 2007.
4. How do I enroll? Do I enroll directly with Medicare? You can enroll directly with the plan over the phone, on the plan's Web site or by filling out and mailing in an application. You will also be able to enroll in most plans through Medicare's enrollment center at www.Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
5. When does coverage begin? Coverage begins Jan. 1, 2006, if you sign up for a Medicare drug plan on or before Dec. 31, 2005. If you sign up between Jan.1 and May 15, your coverage will begin on the first of the month following your sign-up date. If you don't sign up by May 15, you will have to wait until 2007.
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.