Medicare offers assistance with prescriptions Sep 1, 2008
When people hit the gap in prescription drug coverage -- almost every Part D plan has a few months every year where coverage runs out -- they call Senior Patient Advocates for assistance, Stinnette said. With the subsidy, patients never hit a gap and most of their premiums are covered. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
3.4 Million Seniors Hit Medicare 'Doughnut Hole' Aug 23, 2008
Enrollees prescribed drugs for serious chronic conditions had a much higher risk of a gap in coverage under the Part D plan. For example, 64 percent of enrollees taking medications for Alzheimer's disease reached the coverage gap, along with 51 percent of those taking oral anti-diabetic medications and 45 percent of those taking antidepressants. (MEDLINEplus)
New police station open, just not ready for viewing Aug 1, 2008
They d plan to accept the lowest reasonable offer Aug. 7. Donovan said the cleanup should be finished by mid September. (Abington Mariner, MA)
COLUMN: If Mother Nature is out to get me, I'll cry 'uncle' in a hurry Jul 31, 2008
If I built a house, I d want it on a wooded lot, and I d plan the construction around the idea of preserving the trees. I think mankind should slow down and work to guard natural lands to co-exist peacefully with the wild. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Some rain on the 4th? Jul 2, 2008
Right now, I d plan on the possibility of having to briefly run inside from your picnic or barbecue from a shower or storm, but I don t think Friday will be a washout at this point. The Times-Tribune 2008. (Scranton Times, PA)
Schumer sponsors bill to help independent pharmacies Jun 18, 2008
Pharmacies, Schumer said, are waiting up to eight weeks to receive payments due from the federal government as part of the Medicare Part D plan. Billing cycles, however, run every two weeks. (Albany Business Review, NY)
Tim Russert Remembered at Vigil and in Renamed Highway Jun 16, 2008
Last Update: 6:13 am. West Seneca, N.Y./Washington -- New York states two U.S. senators want to rename a portion of a highway near Ralph Wilson Stadium for Tim Russert. (WOKR13 Rochester)
What you need to know Jun 12, 2008
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, expects Part D plans to guarantee immediate refills of Part D medications to beneficiaries located in any area declared a state or federal disaster area. Residents in affected areas can call their Part D plans to explain their need for a refill before going to the pharmacy ... Medicare has contacted plans to remind them of their obligation to refill prescriptions during disasters. (Mason City Globe-Gazette, IO)
Extra help paying for prescriptions May 29, 2008
At $3,464 a year, the least expensive Part D plan is still beyond her means. Fortunately, Mrs. D was referred to a counselor from SHINE, an organization that mobilizes volunteers to help seniors get the benefits owed them. (West Roxbury Transcript, MA)
Senior Notes May 23, 2008
Applying for Prescription Advantage also enables an individual to change their Medicare Part D plan without waiting until the annual open enrollment in November. Applications are available at the COA office or during monthly S.H.I.N.E. office hours. (Georgetown Record, MA)
HMSA offers free Part D talks May 14, 2008
Members of Hawaii Medical Service Association who have questions about their medications under Medicare Part D plans can get the answers from a free HMSA program ... To qualify for the program, patients must be enrolled in HMSA's Medicare Part D plan and have two or more chronic diseases; prescriptions of four or more chronic medications on the 65C Plus Prescription Drug Coverage formulary; and spend $1,000 or more per quarter on prescription drugs, or $4,000 annually. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Letters for Friday, May 9, 2008 May 9, 2008
With the Superferry we d plan to arrive in Nawiliwili about a half hour before sailing time. After the three hour voyage, it would take a few minutes to disembark but we d be near the Aloha Tower, just minutes from our hotel in Waikiki. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
10 Tips:Prescriptiondrug savings May 7, 2008
Retirees, choose your Medicare Part D plan with care. Rather than focusing only on the premium price, consider all out-of-pocket costs that may eventually bite you in the wallet. (MSNBC -- Business)
Seniors struggle with bills Apr 10, 2008
Low-income subsidies are available to those who cannot afford a Medicare Part D plan, making it possible for all seniors to receive the medicines they need ... However, according to some seniors, the Part D plan has been more expensive then they thought ... "It's a joke. They lowered our payments at the end of each month, but now our co-pay has gone up. We used to get samples all the time and they stopped giving those out and I'm actually spending more money now on prescriptions then I was... (Niles Star, MI)
In brief: Health updates (4/8/08) Apr 8, 2008
Medicare/Medicaid Educational Seminar, 10-11 a.m. Saturday, Marlow Manor Assisted Living Downtown, 337 E. Fourth Ave. Rita Hatch from Older Person's Action Group explains Medicare, the differences between Medicare and Medicaid, and what to look for in a Part D plan. Sponsored by Older Persons Action Group. (Anchorage Daily News)
Pharmacy robber sentenced Mar 15, 2008
He allegedly told police that he d plan to rob stores every month until he had enough to sell. Now serving 33 months in prison for a Dakota County conviction, Miller was sentenced concurrently to 45 months with 447 days credit for time served for his charge of felony second-degree aggravated robbery. (Austin Daily Herald, MN)
Mutual Funds &Personal Finance Mar 8, 2008
Various Part D plans offer different lists of covered drugs ... If you buy a Part D plan, you'll have to pay a premium, maybe monthly ... And most Part D plans have a coverage gap. (Investors Business Daily)
Rx Program to benefit seniors, disabled Feb 29, 2008
Senior Rx Administrator Carletta Curry said the program had served as many as 2,000 seniors before the Medicare Part D plan was implemented two years ago, but now only serves 4 to 500. "I'm sure there are hundreds of residents who still don't have insurance but are unaware of our program," Curry said. (Madison County Record, AL)
News from the Wilmington Buzzell Senior Center Feb 27, 2008
Fortunately, Massachusetts residents can still join a Medicare Part D plan by enrolling in Prescription Advantage, the state s pharmacy assistance program. Medicare allows Prescription Advantage members to join a Medicare plan without having to wait until next November. (Wilmington Advocate, MA)
Looking at the roster Feb 22, 2008
Kevin-I ll be back in Vermont by then or we d plan to say hello. Really, any where in that little park is a good place to sit. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Plan B for Dakar Rally was to wave a white flag Jan 10, 2008
Or a C Plan or a D Plan for as many years as they've done this race. The lure of the Dakar Rally is that it sent racers through some of the world's roughest and most remote terrain, not to mention terrible conditions. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Walgreen's robber had planned spree Jan 6, 2008
The criminal complaint said Miller told law enforcement after his arrest that he d plan to rob stores every month until he had enough pain medication to sell. About 7,500 pills were seized from his Minneapolis residence during a search warrant December 2006. (Austin Daily Herald, MN)
Lillys Zypreza, Pfizers Geodon could see reimbursement restrictions next year Dec 30, 2007
About 71% of patients who are eligible for antipsychotics are enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan, according to IMS Health; these plans are under pressure to at once hold down costs while also offer broad formularies. Physicians, however, have been resistant to changing treatment protocols, and have previously defended their use of newer antipsychotics to this news service - arguing that schizophrenia is a particularly difficult disease to treat. (FT.com -- Markets)
Midnight Monday the deadline to enroll in Medicare Part D plan Dec 29, 2007
To receive Illinois Cares Rx benefits, members must be in a Medicare Part D plan coordinating with Illinois Cares Rx. The Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans coordinating with Illinois Cares Rx in 2008 are AARP MedicareRx Preferred, First Health Part D - Premier, Humana PDP Standard, SilverScript, UnitedHealth Rx Basic and WellCare Signature. (Marion Daily Republican, IL)
Medicare targeting low-income seniors Dec 28, 2007
The open enrollment and plan changing window for Medicare part D began Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31, but Gilboy said that those who qualify for the Low Income Subsidy have continuous open enrollment year round ... Once LIS status is determined, a Medicare Part D plan is picked ... The Low Income Subsidy Plan supplements the Medicare Part D plan, he explained. (Montana Standard, MT)
Medicare enrollment deadline nears Dec 27, 2007
To enroll in a Medicare Part D plan or make changes to existing plans, visit medicare ... -- Be cautious of advertised pharmacy recommendations - Bay said pharmacies will post several recommended plans for its clients. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
LETTERS TO BUSINESS Dec 23, 2007
What people do not realize is that each Medicare Part D plan does not cover all available generic and brand-name drugs. Participants choose a plan that covers most medications they use, and then pay full price for those that are not covered. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Business)
Florida offers drug discount for seniors, poor Dec 22, 2007
6 million Floridians are enrolled in the Medicare Part D plan, but the standard benefits pay 75 percent of the cost of drugs up to $2,510 per year and then there is no more coverage until the beneficiary has paid out $4,050. It's known as the Medicare "doughnut hole.". (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Your views: An ill wind blows Dec 20, 2007
"There are no objective medical tests to diagnose ADHD, according to the National Institutes of Health. In other words, diagnoses are based on someone's opinion.I'm sorry if you can't stand the motion and randomness of childhood. Look at it and understand it for what it is -- childhood!The evening news spews out examples of social disorder-drug addicts, murders, shootouts with police, child abductions, and so on. Do you think these acts were all committed by normally rational people who, on the... (Florida Today)
Choice can be between medicine and food Dec 18, 2007
Older Persons Action Group's Rita Hatch helps seniors pick which Medicare Part D plan is best for them. Related story content. (Anchorage Daily News)
Choose with caution: Drug plans more expensive next year Dec 10, 2007
As of July, most of the elderly enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan 17 million out of a total 24 million were in standalone drug plans, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation ... Anne Gargano of Champaign County Health Care Consumers said seniors are being inundated by phone solicitors and mail offering them Medicare Part D plans, and in some cases they're being bullied or tricked into signing up for plans ... which would give consumers the option of a Medicare-administered Part D plan, she... (Urbana/Champaign News-Gazette)
Legislative Update Dec 6, 2007
The open enrollment period simply offers seniors the opportunity to switch plans if their Part D plan isn t meeting their needs due to a change in health or simply confusion in their initial sign-up. Rep. (Menomonie Dunn County News, WI)
Editorial Dec 1, 2007
While these counselors cannot recommend or select a Part D plan, they can and will provide information to help enrollees with decisions. All services are free and confidential. (Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier)
Groups offer insight to elderly on choice of Medicare plans Nov 29, 2007
Rackers said that people already enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan they like still need to pay attention to the plans being offered ... Those wishing to go to the center for help with Medicare Part D plan comparisons should expect to spend about an hour at the center. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Medicare Questions Nov 29, 2007
I currently have a Medicare Part D Plan, but I ve heard my coverage may change for next year ... It s true Medicare Part D Plans may change every year ... From Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, Medicare s Annual Open Enrollment Period, you may switch your Part D plan as well as make other changes to your Medicare coverage. (Needham Tab, MA)
Understanding Medicare Choices, Rules Nov 26, 2007
Question: I have EPIC and earlier this year EPIC enrolled me in a Part D plan ... Then a week later I got another letter from EPIC telling me another Part D plan they had chosen ... Upon close review I determined that the second plan was actually better. (Jamestown Post Journal)
Learn about senior health insurance November 28 at Boone County Hospital Nov 20, 2007
If you already have a Part D Plan you can choose to enroll in a different plan for 2008. By attending the SHIIP Program offered at Boone County Hospital, you can learn how to enroll if you don't have a Medicare drug plan, choose a different plan, keep your current plan or apply for extra help with drug costs. (Mid Iowa Enterprise, IA)
Part D Open Enrollment: 12 Questions Nov 17, 2007
Have Part D plans changed since last year in a way that makes a difference to beneficiaries ... The best way is to use the Medicare Part D Plan Finder at. (WebMD)
Kids enjoy smaller class sizes Nov 15, 2007
Sometimes in the bigger classes you d plan something but you never got to it. Katelyn Beilby, 11. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Choosing the right plan for you Nov 14, 2007
I received a letter stating the deductible for my Medicare Part D plan is going up ... This enrollment period allows individuals who had previously chosen not to join a Part D plan to review their options and choose a plan, although they may still be subject to a late enrollment penalty unless they had comparable coverage prior to this time. (Stoneham Sun, MA)
NONPROFIT Community roundup - Fall Clothes Closet kicks off this Friday Nov 6, 2007
At this time, Part D plans can and do make changes throughout the year ... However, the Annual Election Period is the only time during the year an individual may switch to another Part D plan ... To review your current Part D plan and determine if it still best meets your needs, call your local SHIP counselor. (Missoulian, MT)
Miss Perfect Oct 27, 2007
Bold plan John Messara bred the outstanding Miss Finland, above ... Bold plan … John Messara bred the outstanding Miss Finland, above ... Bol 000027FB d plan … John Messara bred the outstanding Miss Finland, above. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Medicare Drug Coverage Can Save Seniors Money Oct 1, 2007
You should review these materials to make sure your Part D plan covers the drugs you will need in 2008. To see if Medicare's drug prescription coverage can work for you, visit www. (HealthNewsDigest.com)
Cornerbacks coach Mitchell disects Rice Sep 15, 2007
Plus, how does the Tech D plan to put a stop to dual-threat quaterback Chase Clement and his Owls. (To continue reading this article you must be a subscriber. (Texas Tech Sports -- Rivals.com)
Jefferson County OKs hiring full-time director for fair park Sep 13, 2007
"Even those residents who have prescription drug insurance or are participating in Medicare Part D plan may use the discount card for prescription drugs that are not covered under their insurance or Medicare.". He noted that using the NACo prescription discount card is easy. (Watertown Daily Times, WI)
Readers' voice: Aug. 31, 2007 Aug 31, 2007
He has permitted PEIA to create a fiasco out of the retirees coverage by forcing them to use the Advanta Freedom Medicare Part D plan. Please dont put any more negative comments about Elvis in the paper like you did the other day. (Charleston Gazette, WV -- News)
Governor wants health insurance Aug 16, 2007
SPRINGFIELD Gov. Rod Blagojevich announced Tuesday an end-run on lawmakers in an attempt to keep his troubled plan for universal health care alive ... Under his retooled plan, he would extend breast and cervical cancer screening to an estimated 250,000 women without getting legislative approval ... "Concerned " wrote on Aug 15, 2007 8:12 PM:" I believe Blagojevich must not have any family or friends who were "victims" of Medicare or Medicaid. Why should every person, especially children get free... (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
New Online Tools Helps Medicare Part D Beneficiaries Prepare for the Part D Doughnut Hole Aug 14, 2007
The Medicare-PartD.com online doughnut hole calculator estimations are based on the yearly CMS standard plan and are available for 2006, 2007, and 2008 Part D plans. Actual Part D costs can vary depending on the user's current Part D plan design ... We Research mend Plans. (Yahoo News -- Press Releases)
Medicare plan boosts statins, ulcer drugs: report Aug 1, 2007
Of the 24 million people in some private Part D plan, 58 percent had some form of private insurance beforehand, although it may have been limited. Another 24 percent of the Part D participants had some coverage under Medicaid, the government health plan for the poor. (Scientific American)
Medicare drug plans give docs a headache Jun 21, 2007
Tseng gave this example: A doctor may prescribe the drug losartin for high blood pressure, but it turns out that drug is not covered by the patient's Part D plan ... Tseng and her investigators analyzed all nationwide and statewide Part D plans but focused on 43 plans that are valid in Hawaii and 72 that are valid in California. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Medicare 'Part D' plan achieves mixed results in study May 30, 2007
Personal Tech Markets Your Money Technology Healthcare Columnists Latest news Message Boards Small Business. Study says Medicare drug plan saves cash. (Boston Globe)
Medicare fraud on the rise in state May 20, 2007
Medicare Part D plan representatives may call to tell you about their Medicare drug plans, but they may not call you if you've placed your telephone number on the Federal Trade Commission's Do Not Call Registry ... If you do not join the registry, Medicare Part D plan representatives may call to tell you about their drug plans, but they may not call to sign you up ... A third plan, Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, offers coverage for hospital and doctor care, but access can be limited. (The Clarion-Ledger)
National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive May 10, 2007
For Immediate Release Office of the Press Secretary May 9, 2007. NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL DIRECTIVE/NSPD 51. (White House News Releases)
State plan to replace SeniorCare May 10, 2007
She feared trying to figure out which of the dozens of Part D plans was best for her ... Doyle acknowledged that the hardest part about the transition will be moving seniors onto the appropriate Medicare Part D plan. (Wisconsin State Journal)
New free prescription drug card from Broward County could save you cash May 9, 2007
For those with Medicare, the card can be used if a Medicare Part D plan doesn't cover a particular medicine. Staff Writer Bob LaMendola contributed to this report. (Sun-Sentinel.com)
Universal American to Acquire MemberHealth, Inc. May 8, 2007
RYE BROOK, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Universal American Financial Corp. ( Universal American ) (NASDAQ: UHCO) announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire MemberHealth, Inc. ( MemberHealth ), a privately-held pharmacy benefits manager ( PBM ) and sponsor of CCRx, a national Medicare Part D plan with more than 1. 1 million members. (BusinessWire)
NFL DRAFT: Giants' 'D' plan of attack Apr 26, 2007
Picking a cornerback with man-to-man skills would aid new scheme. April 26, 2007 Jerry Reese said last week that new Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo had given the general manager a list of draft-eligible players he liked. (Newsday -- Sports)
WellPoint ups profits, disappoints Wall Street Apr 26, 2007
8 billion, and the Medicare Part D plan introduced last year drove its benefit expense ratio up to 83. 1 percent from 81. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
• SeniorCare and other billsshould be judged on merit Apr 25, 2007
That strikes us as compelling, anyhow, but the administration still seems determined to squeeze Wisconsin into its one-size-fits-all-states Medicare D plan. It's been a frustrating fight. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Your Money: Medicare replacement policies often fall short Apr 22, 2007
By Jennifer L. BoenFort Wayne News-Sentinel Published on: 04/22/07. - Franklin Perkins of Fort Wayne has learned the hard way that not all Medicare-type plans are created equal. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
The state prescription drug benefit program is coming to an end. Apr 11, 2007
She is concerned whether she will fall into what has been called the donut hole of the Medicare Part D plan, which limits coverage for those in a middle ground with certain income and asset levels and medium prescription costs ... Rudd said the cheapest of those Part D plans requires people to pay 14. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
• Pointe Blue updateisn't blue at all Mar 31, 2007
From the sounds of it, they face an uphill battle getting the Bush administration to go along with a Wisconsin waiver - the administration wants to push all states into the Medicare Part D plan, no exceptions or substitutions allowed. And you wonder why the federal deficit is rising. (Racine Journal Times, WI)
Medicare Advantage deadline is March 31 Mar 21, 2007
People who signed up for a Medicare plan that covers only prescription drugs -- known as a Medicare Part D plan -- can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan as long as they select an option that also has drug coverage. People who enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage also have the option of switching to another Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage or a Medicare Part D plan ... Low-income Medicare enrollees who qualify for extra help paying for their Medicare Part D plan... (Akron Beacon Journal, OH -- Living)
Disheartening News for AtheroGenics Mar 20, 2007
AtheroGenics () had staked its business on a new drug called AGI-1067, which the Atlanta company hoped could combat a deadly accomplice of coronary disease -- clogged arteries. News hit March 19 that an advanced study of the drug has failed -- but researchers also discovered a few glimmers of encouraging information. (BusinessWeek)
Reps. Berry, Herseth, Jones, and Wicker Introduce Common-Sense Fix to Medicare Mar 14, 2007
"Part D plans are paid each month in advance by Medicare, yet Part D plans are using delaying tactics to enjoy a considerable interest-earning 'float' on tax-payer dollars intended to compensate community pharmacies for serving their patients," said Bruce Roberts, RPh, executive vice president and CEO of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) ... "CMS' own marketing guidelines expressly prohibit steering patients to a particular Part D plan, and likewise plans should not be... (PR Newswire)
