Mental Health Part D News Alert

December 15, 2005

Important Reminder on Enrollment

While the initial enrollment period for Medicare Part D does not end until May 15, 2006, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has indicated that it is important for low-income individuals not to wait to enroll into a prescription drug plan.  If an individual has not received a letter from the Social Security Administration indicating that they qualify for the low-income subsidy (or Extra Help program), he or she can still choose to enroll before January 1, 2006.  If an individual later qualifies for financial assistance with the low-income subsidy, CMS will reimburse him or her for any out of pocket expenses (CMS will notify plans of those awarded the subsidy).  Keep in mind that this does not affect dual eligibles (those enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid), who are automatically eligible for financial assistance and do not need to apply.