Q and A: Things you need to know

What is Medicare Part D?

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage for people who have Medicare insurance. It replaces the Medicare discount drug card program and is supposed to save seniors money on prescription drugs.

When can I sign up?

From Nov. 15 to May 15. Anyone who fails to sign up by May 15 will face higher monthly premiums once they do sign up. Plans can be changed during open enrollment, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31 each year.

How do I choose a plan?

First get a comprehensive list of the drugs you take and see if they are covered by the plans available in your state. Then compare the premiums and drug prices among the plans that cover your prescriptions. If you already have prescription drug coverage, your insurer is required to let you know how your plan compares to the new Medicare Part D plans.

How much does it cost?

It depends on which plan you choose, but the average monthly premium is less than $37. The standard plan has a $250 deductible, and then Medicare covers 75 percent of prescription costs up to $2,250. From $2,250 to $5,100, beneficiaries pay 100 percent of the drug costs After they’ve paid $3,600 in out-of-pocket costs in a year, Medicaid covers 95 percent of the rest.

What if I can’t afford it?

If your annual income is less than about $14,400 (or $19,250 for a couple) and you have less than $11,500 in liquid assets ($23,000 per couple) – not including your home – you can qualify for financial help through the Social Security Administration.

How do I sign up?

You can enroll over the phone, on the plan’s Web site, or by filling out an application and mailing it in. Medicare’s enrollment center is at www.medicare.gov or can be called at 1-800-Medicare. In Idaho, the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is training volunteers to help seniors sign up. Call the SHIBA Helpline at 1-800-488-5725 for an appointment.

Don’t send money – and don’t enroll with any plan that contacts you over the phone. Wait to be billed after you enroll. Legitimate Medicare Plan D providers cannot enroll you over the telephone unless you contact them.

Where can I get information and help choosing the right plan?

In Washington, call the SHIBA Helpline at 1-800-562-6900. In Idaho, call the SHIBA Helpline at 1-800-488-5725. And from anywhere, consult the Medicare & You 2006 handbook, visit www.medicare.gov , or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Another helpful Web site is www.benefitscheckup.org. In both states, SHIBA is scheduling community workshops to help people choose a plan and enroll.