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Parish Nurse
The most important thing for you to know right now is to pay attention to any mail that comes from Medicare in the next few months. Read what is sent. You will need to make choices that can have a significant impact on your finances. You will be able to purchase a discount drug card that will possibly lower the cost of some medications. Avoid scams where counterfeit cards are sold door-to-door and over the phone. No cards will be sold this way. All cards will have a blue “Medicare” logo on them. In May you will receive information and need to decide if you want to purchase the drug card. You have until December 31, 2004 to decide if you want a card. Here are some highlights: · The cards go into effect June 1, 2004 · Medicare has selected several insurance companies to administer the program · Cards will cost no more that $30 per year · Cards may provide a 10-30% discount on selected drugs · If your drugs are not on the list, no benefit will be available · Once you make a choice to receive the card, you keep it for a year · Drug stores and pharmacies have the right to accept or not accept the card · A low-income benefit gives an individual a $600 credit on their card where nothing is paid out of pocket until the $600 is spent. (i.e.-shop for best prices) Low income is defined as $12,123 single and $16,362 joint. After Jan. 1, 2006 a new "Part D" Medicare Plan" will be available which can effect existing drug plans. The H, I, and J plans may not be available after Jan.1, 2006. The presence of the "Part D" coverage may also effect your company's choice to continue their retirement drug plan, even if you are satisfied with it. I have several good articles from an Internet site www.familiesusa.org. You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to receive more information. |
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Resurrection Catholic Church 15353 Moneta Rd., Moneta, VA 24121 Phone: 540.297.5530 / Fax: 540.297.6316 E-mail: info@resurrectioncatholic.org © Copyright 2003 by resurrectioncatholic.org |
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