Julie Hilbert and the Senior Moment

SENIOR MOMENT UPDATE

· Medicare Part D and the Donut Hole
· Options:
· Wisconsin SeniorCare

· BadgerRx Gold Program – A program designed to help keep prescription drugs accessible and affordable for Wisconsin residents. You can save up to 25-40% on cost of medications. If you live in Wisconsin, you are eligible for BadgerRx Gold. To find a list of the covered medicines call 866-809-9382. There are 4 ways to enroll: Phone – 866-809-9382 - On-line – www.badgerrxgold.com

· Canada Drug Service - 770 S. Main St. – 1-800-350-5319 or 920-924-9680 - Save 85% on Prescriptions

· Patient Assistance Programs – These are programs by pharmaceutical companies that offer low to no costs for most high priced prescriptions. These programs are mostly based on income and assets and if someone has no other prescription coverage.
· Wisconsin Drug Card – Wisconsin has just introduced a “free” discount prescription card everyone is eligible and there are no restrictions and no age limits. You can download a free drug card by visiting www.wisconsindrugcard.com or you can visit any Aurora Pharmacy in Wisconsin and they can process your card. You can also call 1-800-619-2298 for more information. Savings average around 30%.
· Mailings from CMS, Social Security and Plans
· In October of 2008 the Medicare Part D plans will be sending out Marketing Materials to beneficiaries
· Plan - Termination letters if the plan will no exist in 2009
· Plan - Annual Notice of Change – outlining 2009 changes
· CMS will mail Medicare and You 2009 Handbooks
· Employer/Union Plans – Notice of Creditable Coverage

· Open Enrollment for Medicare Part D – to sign up or switch current plan is November 15th through December 31st