IS AnyOne Considering Dropping Medicare Part D?

Question

My mother has fallen in the Donut Hole (Medigap) and is no longer able to get free or reduced Prescriptions because she in this Program of Medicare Part D and her medication is very expensive. Does it make sense to Drop this program in order to get help with her prescriptions??

Answer 1

I think some plans will not let you drop out until the open enrollment period which starts this November. You can look into that at your mother's plan. If she drops out, and needs Medicare Part D later, she will be penalized by paying higher monthly premiums. Has she checked to see is she is available for extra help? Go to www.ssa.gov

Click on "No Penalty for 2006 if you Qualify for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs" under the Medicare section (about the middle of the page). By following the links you can see if your mother applies for extra help. If you think she is eligible for this, you can help her apply right on line, and it is a very simple process. If she is approved she can get help paying her Medicare part D premiums and/or have lower co-pays. Also, if she is approved, make sure she sends a copy of her approval letter ot her Medicare part D plan ASAP, as they often do not get notified that someone is eligible for extra help. They are supposed to get notified, but it does not always work out that way.

Answer 2

go to the drug store with a list of her medications. Find the insurance coverage that covers her particular meds better. There are also programs that will help with costs.

IF nothing else works, others have dropped it too. BUT you can be penalized to rejoin later if needed.