Quick Facts: Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)

Who Benefits? Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage.

Pay Less: You could see drug expenses drop by about 50%.

Enroll Early: Early enrollment means lower monthly premiums.

Don't Miss the Deadline: Sign up by May 15 to avoid a penalty.

Important Dates

November 15 -- Enrollment period begins. Enroll directly on CareTALK.com

January 1 -- Coverage begins for those who join by December 31

May 15 -- Last day to enroll without paying a penalty.

Understanding Medicare Part D

Now Medicare Covers More than Ever

Modern medicine is doing more than ever before to prevent diseases and their complications, and now Medicare is covering more of the medical care that can help you stay well. Medicare now covers preventive screenings and new options to prevent the complications of chronic diseases. Starting January 1, Medicare will provide dependable prescription drug coverage that will make it easier for everyone with Medicare to pay for the drugs they need to stay healthy.

Everyone with Medicare can choose to enroll in this voluntary drug coverage regardless of their income, health, or how they pay for prescription drugs today. Medicare prescription drug coverage is insurance that will typically pay for about half of your drug costs. It provides greater peace of mind by protecting you against ever having very high drug expenses. There is extra help for people with limited income and resources. Almost 1 in 3 people with Medicare will qualify for extra help and Medicare will pay for almost all of their prescription drug costs. Because people with Medicare get their care in different ways, you have choices about your Medicare drug coverage. You can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or you can join a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare Health Plan that offers drug coverage.

Whatever plan you choose, Medicare drug coverage will help you by covering brand-name and generic drugs at pharmacies that are convenient for you. And if you already have good drug coverage from your former employer or union, Medicare can help your employer or union pay for it to keep it secure.

Beware of Fraud and Scams!

Unfortunately, during this unprecedented moment in time, there are individuals who will want to take advantage of seniors while they enroll for the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit.

As Dr. Mark B. McClellan, the Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid said, "Medicare will be vigilant in protecting consumers, and we want them know some basic steps they can take to protect themselves."

• No one can come to your door uninvited.

• No one can ask you to enroll before Nov. 15.

• No one can ask you for personal information during their marketing activities.

• Always keep all personal information, such as your Medicare number, safe, just as you would a credit card or a bank account number.

• Never give out personal information until you are certain that the person or product is approved by Medicare.

• Whenever you have a question or concern about activity, call 1-800-MEDICARE. If you suspect fraud, you can also call your local law enforcement agency or the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-HOT-TIPS.

Ask your loved one if they are contacted directly or solicited for private information to call you immediately. Be proactive! Let's all protect our seniors and our benefit!