Mental Health Part D News Alert

November 13 , 2006

National Mental Health Association Fact Sheets

The following fact sheets are to guide Beneficiaries through the Open Enrollment Period and explain the Coverage Gap, also known as the “donut hole.”

The Basics: Medicare Part D & Open Enrollment PDF
All people with Medicare can join, switch or drop prescription drug plans (PDP) during Open Enrollment, also known as the Annual Election Period. Open Enrollment begins November 15 and ends December 31, 2006. Changes take effect January 1, 2007.

Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage: Changes in 2007 PDF
For the 2007 plan year there are changes in coverage. Also during this time, evaluate your current plan to decide if it will continue to meet your needs. Talk to your doctor, mental health practitioner, or a family member if you need help reviewing and selecting a new plan.

Prepare & Compare: Medicare Part D Open Enrollment PDF
Each year, Medicare prescription drug plans (PDP) may change their benefit and formulary designs. This means your current drug plan may increase your costs, no longer cover your medications, or no longer contract with your local pharmacy next year. Therefore, it is very important to review plan offerings before Open Enrollment each year to ensure that you are enrolled in the best plan for you.

Saving Dough in the “Doughnut Hole” PDF
If you are enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan and your prescription drug costs reach $2,250, you may find yourself in the donut hole—officially called the coverage gap—without any prescription drug coverage. It can be a costly gap—you pay 100% of your drug costs until you have paid $3,600 in out-of-pocket costs. After that, almost all of your drug costs are covered by your plan. The National Mental Health Association (NMHA) hopes the following tips and resources will help you save money or find programs that may offer financial help when paying out-of-pocket for your prescription drugs.