Bob Dole on Medicare - 10 Things Seniors Need to Know


Author: bobdoleonmedicare.com

For the past two and a half years, Senator Dole has been touring the country, speaking to seniors about health care and the benefits of Medicare's new prescription drug program. Making 18 campaign stops coast to coast, Senator Dole lent perspective to the new law and encouraged seniors to explore their enrollment options. Senator Dole was joined on the road by 23 supporting patient advocacy groups as well as Leslie Norwalk, the Deputy Administrator of CMS, the government agency in charge of implementing the new drug benefit.

In this weekly podcast series, Senator Dole, Leslie Norwalk and Medicare beneficiaries discuss the top ten things seniors need to know about Medicare’s drug coverage. These tips are designed to help seniors make their re-enrollment decisions for 2007.

 

Episodes


1. You can enroll starting November 15, 2006
For the first time ever, Medicare is now offering prescription drug coverage to its beneficiaries. Seniors who want to enroll in a prescription drug plan may begin doing so on November 15, 2006, with coverage starting on January 1, 2007.
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Running time: 3:24 | Download MP3
 
2. You decide if this program is right for you
Enrollment in Medicare's new drug coverage does not begin until November 15th, but it's important to start thinking about whether it's right for you. Anyone who is currently eligible for Medicare is also eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage, regardless of income, pre-existing condition or high drug bills.
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Running time: 3:40 | Download MP3
 
3. You will have a choice of plans
When deciding whether or not to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan this November, it is important to remember that you will have a choice of plans. You should explore the plans offered so you can make an informed decision about which plan to choose.
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Running time: 3:25 | Download MP3
 
4. Things to consider when choosing a plan
The most important factors to remember when choosing a Medicare prescription drug plan: cost, coverage, convenience and peace of mind.
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Running time: 3:23 | Download MP3
 
5. Every plan must meet the Medicare standard
Although the task of sorting through the various Medicare prescription drug plans may seem daunting, seniors can take comfort in knowing that every approved plan was scrutinized and analyzed to ensure quality and suitability. Medicare’s rigorous review process made sure that all of the plans meet the Medicare standard.
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Running time: 3:25 | Download MP3
 
6. People with low incomes may be eligible for extra help from Medicare
Medicare recognizes that some seniors with limited incomes may have trouble paying their monthly premiums and co-pays. Social Security and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are working together to provide beneficiaries with low-incomes and limited assets extra help with paying for their prescription drugs.
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Running time: 4:15 | Download MP3
 
7. The Time to Choose A Part D Plan is Approaching
It is important to remember that Medicare beneficiaries have the opportunity to enroll in Part D plans every year – this is referred to as the "annual enrollment period." This year’s enrollment period begins on November 15th and ends December 31, 2006.
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Running time: 4:32 | Download MP3
 
8. Medicare is always there to answer your questions
If you ever have any questions about Medicare Part D drug coverage, Medicare is available to answer them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-Medicare or www.medicare.gov.
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Running time: 4:44 | Download MP3
 
9. Drug coverage isn't the only new benefit
Medicare has recognized the importance of preventive care and added new services to help patients improve their quality of life and stay healthier longer.
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Running time: 3:31 | Download MP3
 
10. Medicare has enhanced features to help beneficiaries with 2007 enrollment
With newly enhanced features on Medicare's Personal Plan Finder, seniors will now be able to compare plans by price, benefits and out-of-pocket costs to help them choose the plan that is best for them.
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Running time: 4:24 | Download MP3
 

 
The information and podcasts contained on this site and within the podcasts are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The opinions expressed contained within the podcasts are of the author and the author alone. Spectrum Science Communications does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. If you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.