Nebraska Department of Insurance

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INFORMATION ABOUT THE MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT

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Medicare offers prescription drug coverage, known as "Part D," for everyone with Medicare. Enrollment in Part D is optional, but if you decide not to enroll when first eligible, you may pay a penalty if you join later. However, if you have prescription coverage that is at least as good as what Medicare offers, you may not need to enroll in Medicare Part D.

If you join a Medicare prescription drug plan, you are usually required to pay a monthly premium. Other out-of-pocket costs include co-payments, coinsurance and/or deductible, if any. Some plans also include a gap in coverage, otherwise known as the "doughnut hole." Not all drug plans may cover your specific combination of prescriptions, so it is important to compare your options carefully.

The following links provide more information on the new drug benefit:

What You Should Know about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
• Consumer Alert from the Nebraska Department of Insurance



Medicare Announces 2008 Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans
• 2008 Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Fact Sheet
• Nebraska 2008 Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans
• Nebraska 2008 Below-the Benchmark Options
• Medicare Part D National Prescription Drug Plans - 2008


Part D Changes for 2008 - Channel 5 Television Program


Compare Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Plans in Your Area


Where can I find a Part D enrollment event in my community?
• Visit Answers4Families for the most up-to-date community events calendar.


SHIIP Part D Personal Information Worksheet
• A helpful tool for beneficiaries in comparing prescription drug plans.


Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Brochure
• Produced by the Nebraska SHIIP, this publication provides general information about Medicare Part D.


Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Coalition Brochure
• SHIIP is part of a statewide coalition created to educate Medicare beneficiaries on the prescription drug benefit.


What if my prescription drug plan doesn't cover all my medications?
• Beneficiaries may avoid paying full retail price for a prescription by requesting an exception, or appeal


Medicare Drug Coverage Under Part A, Part B, and Part D
• Not all medications are covered by the prescription drug benefit. Circumstance and location play a role in which "part" covers medications.


Coverage Gap Prescription Drug Assistance
• Have you reached the "doughnut hole" of your Medicare prescription drug plan? This sheet provides a list of options for beneficiaries looking to reduce their drug costs.