Medicare Part D

Medicare’s New Prescription Drug Cverage

Medicare is offering coverage for outpatient prescription drugs beginning January 1, 2006. The California Medical Association (CMA) has developed this physician guide to help you understand the new program and to answer your patients’ questions about Medicare’s prescription drug benefit.

1. Seniors Can Enroll Starting November 2005

Medicare Part D

What Are Medicare Prescription Drug Plans?

How Medicare Prescription Drug Plans Will Work

How do the plans work?

Medicare prescription drug plans will vary, but in general, this is how they will work. When you join, you will pay a monthly premium (varies depending on the plan you choose, but generally about $37) in addition to any premiums for Medicare Part A and/or Part B. You will pay the first $250 per year for your prescriptions. This is called your “deductible.” After you pay the $250 yearly deductible, here’s how the costs work: