topics: Medicare Prescription Drug Help, Medicare coverage, Medicare Advantage prescription drug programs, supplement insurance, what is Medicare? help

web page:
Who is Eligible for Medicare?

source: Medicare.gov
languages: English
from the web page: "Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment and you are 65 years or older and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. If you aren’t yet 65, you might also qualify for coverage if you have a disability or with End-Stage Renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant)..."
web page:
Medicare Beneficiaries... Do You Have Medicare Part B Premium Problems?

source: Medicare Advocacy Project
languages: English
from the web page: "...If you enrolled late in Medicare and are facing a waiting period before you get coverage, or are being told you must pay penalties, the MEDICARE ADVOCACY PROJECT (MAP) may be able to help you have them waived if you qualify for "equitable relief..."
web page:
Medicare Part D Premium Withholding Problems Continue

source:Franklin County Home Care Corporation
languages: English
from the web page: "...Medicare Part D has been providing coverage of prescription medications since January 2006. Part D is administered by private insurance companies, such as Humana, AARP, WellCare, and BlueCross/BlueShield. These plans charge monthly premiums, which in Massachusetts range from $13 to $87. People who enroll in a Part D plan have the option of having the monthly premium withheld from their regular Social Security check, much like the system for the Part B premium..."
web page:
Standard Medigap Plans Offered in Massachusetts - Medigap Effective 01/01/06

source:Massachusetts Division of Insurance
languages: English Medicare brochure or publication:
Uncompensated Care Pool: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Over 65 Applications; Medicare Part D

source:Massachusetts Department of Health and Human Services
file size: 3 pg.   languages: English
from the brochure: "...This document has been prepared to address concern about the impact of Medicare Part-D on UCP users (section 1), and the extension of the integrated eligibility process for those pool users who are over 65..."
Medicare brochure or publication:
Massachusetts Medicare Drug Plan Ratings

source:AARP
file size:5 pg.  languages: English
from the brochure: "...This AARP rating tool contains information about “stand-alone” Medicare plans in your state that cover only prescription drugs...."
Medicare brochure or publication: Choosing A MediGap Policy: 2007 - A Guide to Health Insurance for People with Medicare

source:Medicare.gov, "The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare"
file size: 100 pg, available also in large print version   languages: English
from the brochure: "This is the official government guide with important information about: - what a Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policy is; - what Medigap policies cover; - your rights to buy a Medigap policy; - steps to follow when you buy a Medigap policy; - switching Medigap policies."

Medicare in Massachusetts Basic Help & Assistance

web site:
Medicare Advocacy Project

languages: English
from the web site: "...MAP is devoted to assisting both elderly and disabled people who may have been unfairly denied Medicare. MAP will provide help by giving advice or free legal representation.... MAP and Greater Boston Legal Services maintains a staff of attorneys and paralegals who are fully devoted to serving individuals who are unable to pay for legal representation.
web page:
800-AGE-INFO

source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Mass Home Care Association.
languages: English
from the web page: "...to assist consumers and caregivers as well as professionals seeking information and resources on eldercare services..."
web page:
(Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder

source:Medicare: The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare
languages: English
Find and compare plans for all states, including Massachusetts Medicare Prescription Drug plans
Medicare brochure or publication:
Your Medicare Rights and Protections

source: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
44pp   languages: English
Fairly detailed explanations and descriptions about your Medicare rights and protections.
Medicare brochure or publication Consumer Advisory: Medicare Reform

source:Massachusetts Attorney General's Office
file size: 11 pg.   languages: English
Attorney General's advice "to help elders and other consumers in Massachusetts as they deal with these changes in the law. Inside you will find the information and resources you need to make the best choices for yourself or a family member."

Part D Medicare and Prescription Drug Topics

web page:
Prescription Advantage

source: Mass.Gov - Executive Office of Elder Affairs
languages: English
"Prescription Advantage is a prescription drug insurance plan available to all Massachusetts residents age 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities who meet income and employment guidelines..."
Medicare brochure or publication:
SHINE: Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders

source:Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs
languages: English
"The SHINE Program (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) is a state health insurance assistance program that provides free health care information, assistance and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages. The SHINE Program is administered with elder service agencies, social service agencies and Councils on Aging. The program is partially funded by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. " Medicare brochure or publication:
Massachusetts: Medicare Rx Fact Sheet

source:AARP
languages: English
"...Medicare's new prescription drug insurance - called Medicare Part D-began January 1, 2006. To get this insurance, most people will have to sign up for one of the Part D Plans Medicare has approved..." Medicare brochure or publication:
Medicare Part D In Massachusetts: Successes and Continuing Challenges

source:Massachusetts Health Policy Forum, Brandeis University
languages: English
"Voluntary drug benefit implemented January 1, 2006; • Prescription drug coverage through private drug plans; (PDP) and Medicare Advantage (MA-PD) integrated health plans; • Standard drug benefit or at least equivalent; • Medicaid dual eligibles autoenrolled into private drug plans; • State maintenance of effort (“clawback”) payments to CMS; • Subsidy to employers to maintain coverage; • Extra assistance for low income beneficiaries, based on income and assets; • Formularies and other drug management techniques used by drug plans..." Medicare brochure or publication: New Medicare Drug Discount Card Program: Is It For You?

source:Congressman Michael Capuano, U.S. House of Representatives
file 11 pg.   languages: English
Discussion and advice about the Medicare Prescription Drug Card Program, which will be replaced by the new Medicare Reform Programs by December 2005 Medicare brochure or publication:
Lanscape: 2007 Massachusetts Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans

source:CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
file size:3 pg.   languages: English  date:2007
Massachusetts 2007 Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans. Data as of September 12, 2006. Includes all contracts/plans regardless of 2007 approval status. Employer sponsored plans (800 series) are excluded."


Medicare brochure or publication:
Landscape: Massachusetts Medicare Advantage, Cost Plans, and Demonstrations

source: CENTERS FOR MEDICARE & MEDICAID SERVICES
file size:8 pg.   languages: English
"Massachusetts 2007 Medicare Advantage, Cost, and Demonstration Plans. Data as of September 29, 2006. Includes all contracts/plans regardless of 2007 approval status. PACE, Special Needs Plans, and Employer sponsored plans (800 series) are excluded."

Medicare in MA - Special Programs, Medicare HMO

web page:
Medicare HMO - What if your Medicare HMO does not approve care you need?

source: Medicare Advocacy Project
languages: English
"Ask the Medicare HMO for a letter explaining why your request was not approved... Tip: You do not need a reason to get this information in writing. You have a right to it. If anyone at your Medicare HMO asks you why you want the information in writing, tell them Medicare says you have a right to it..."
web page:
Health Insurance: Best Health Plans 2006: (Massachusetts)

source: U.S. News & World Report
languages: English
"Commercial, Medicare and medicaid plans.."
web page:
Medicare Supplements and Medicare HMOs

source: Health Care For All
languages: English
"For most people, Medicare coverage is not enough. There are gaps in what's covered; for example, Medicare doesn’t pay for most prescription drugs. Also, deductibles and co-insurance may be too expensive for some people. Click here to see a table on what Medicare covers and what it doesn’t. You can also go to the Medicare webpage to learn more. "