Services team up to remind Beneficiaries that No. 05-43 Enrollment for Medicare Part D began November 15

TRICARE and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have teamed-up to provide Medicare Part D educational and enrollment information to TRICARE beneficiaries eligible for Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage. Enrollment in a Medicare prescription drug coverage plan begins November 15 and continues through May 15, 2006.

Beginning Jan. 1, 2006, Medicare prescription drug coverage will be available to beneficiaries with Medicare Part A and/ or Part B. Medicare-eligible beneficiaries who do not enroll by May 16, 2006, will be able to enroll annually between November 15 and December 31.

TRICARE-Medicare beneficiaries should compare a number of factors before enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan, including monthly premiums, deductibles, copays and drug coverage of several prescription drug plans to include the TRICARE pharmacy program. Medicare prescription drug coverage plan options will vary by location.

For nearly all TRICARE-Medicare beneficiaries, under most circumstances, there is no added value in purchasing Medicare prescription drug coverage. The exception is for beneficiaries with limited incomes and assets who qualify for Medicare’s low-income subsidy. These beneficiaries may benefit by enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

TRICARE is considered creditable coverage, meaning it pays on average as much or more than a standard Medicare prescription drug plan. If TRICARE-Medicare beneficiaries decide not to enroll in a Medicare drug plan during the open enrollment periods, but change their minds later, they may do so without paying the late enrollment penalty.

For more information about Medicare prescription drug coverage, beneficiaries may call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit TRICARE’s Medicare Part D Web page at www.tricare.osd.mil/medicarepartd/ or visit the Medicare Web site at www.medicare.gov for the latest information on Medicare prescription drug plans.

[ Back ]