Mark Sanford Governor
Robert M. Kerr Director
November 7, 2005
Dear Medicaid/Medicare Beneficiary: The new Medicare Prescription Drug Program You will receive new prescription drug coverage under Medicare beginning January 1, 2006. Your Medicaid prescription drug coverage will end on December 31, 2005. Medicaid will still pay for your other covered medical services. Because you are eligible for full Medicaid benefits, you will automatically receive help paying for the new Medicare prescription drug coverage premiums and deductibles. You do not have to apply for assistance through the Social Security Administration for this extra help. Medicare will enroll you. Joining a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) You can join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan beginning November 15, 2005. In October you will receive information about the various drug plans in your area. Medicare will automatically assign you to a plan so that your new drug coverage will begin January 1, 2006. If you find another Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that better meets your needs, you can switch plans. The new Medicare Prescription Drug plans will cover many prescription drugs. When you get the information on the different plans, you should make a list of all the medications that you take to help you decide on the best plan for you. You will need a plan that covers the medications that you take. If you need a specific drug that is not covered, you may apply to your selected drug plan for an exception to get coverage for that drug.
Do you need help? If you have additional questions, contact Medicare at www.Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Be sure to say that you have Medicare and full Medicaid benefits. Important things for you to remember
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Look for your “Medicare & You 2006” handbook in October. Look for information on the different Medicare Prescription Drug plans available in your area. Select and join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan between November 15 and December 31, 2005. Sincerely,
Robert M. Kerr Director RMK/jp