Your Health

Prescription Drug Relief For People In Medicare

Posted 7/22/2010

News seniors can use: This year, Medicare recipients with a gap in coverage will receive a $250 rebate check toward prescription drugs.

(NAPSI)-If you--or a loved one--are one of the millions of people who fall into the Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the "doughnut hole," provisions in the health care law will bring some relief this year. People who fall into the doughnut hole in 2010 will automatically receive a $250 rebate check to help them pay for their prescription drugs and other expenses.

Here are five things you need to know about this year's doughnut hole rebate:

1. Receipts can help you track your spending. People in Medicare Part D who fall into the coverage gap should automatically receive a check after reaching that threshold, but you should save your receipts just in case. If you think you've reached the doughnut hole and don't receive your check within a few months, having your receipts handy will be helpful when talking to Medicare.

2. Checks will be mailed automatically. Medicare tracks your drug costs for you. Once you reach the coverage gap, you will receive a check.

3. Protect yourself against scams. If someone says he or she can help you get your check more quickly if you pay a fee, immediately report this scam or any similar fraud to the police or to your Attorney General. You can find the Attorney General's phone number in the blue pages of the telephone book or online at www.naag.org. You should also report any suspected scam to Medicare by calling 1 (800) MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

4. Your check will be mailed to the address Social Security uses to reach you. If you need to change your address, please call Social Security at 1 (800) 772-1213. If you prefer, a change of address may also be reported by calling or visiting your local Social Security office.

5. You may be able to save on your prescription drugs. By entering the name of each of your drugs, its dosage and how often you take it into AARP's Doughnut Hole Calculator (www.aarp.org/doughnuthole), you can see when you are likely to enter the doughnut hole. This tool will also identify less costly but equally effective drugs available in your Part D plan and will print out a personalized letter that will help you begin a conversation with your physician about switching to lower-cost alternatives.

For more information on the new health care law, go to www.aarp.org/getthefacts.