Medicare beneficiaries do not have to join Medicare Part D, but it’s important to help them decide now if they should enroll—and which plan is best for them. Enrollment began Nov. 15. They have only until May 15, 2006, to join a plan without penalty. If they decide to enroll in Part D after that date, their premiums will be 1 percent higher for every month they delayed, unless they already have prescription drug coverage at least as good as Medicare Part D.

All companies offering a prescription drug plan to people on Medicare must meet or exceed the plan designed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Under the CMS plan, members pay:

• A monthly premium (varies by company)
• A yearly deductible, which will be $250 in 2006
• Part of the cost of their prescriptions, including a copayment or coinsurance

In addition, there is a coverage gap. When prescription drug costs total $2,251 until out-of-pocket costs reach $3,600 annually, Medicare beneficiaries are responsible for all such costs.

Although experiences will vary, the Congressional Budget Office estimates that the average Medicare beneficiary’s out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D will decrease from $1,495 to $1,081—a 28 percent decline.

People with limited income and resources also may qualify for extra help and may not have to pay a premium or deductible. For more information on financial assistance, contact Social Security at (800) 772-1213 or visit their website at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Click here to see the BlueScript for Medicare Part D^® for 2006 chart

The BlueScript difference
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s BlueScript for Medicare Part D offers greater coverage than standard Medicare Part D coverage— from a lower deductible to negotiated discounts on covered prescription drugs during the deductible and coverage gap periods. What’s more, there is no annual deductible for generic drugs. And the copay for generics at a network* pharmacy is only $5. Option 2 offers even greater savings. It extends generic prescription drug coverage through the gap period. We offer a broad list (formulary) of covered drugs and a statewide network of more than 3,000 participating retail pharmacy outlets.

Members enrolled in our Medicare Advantage plans will have their existing pharmacy coverage replaced with our new Medicare Part D coverage automatically. BluePreferred and Medicare & More members will receive Option 1; ActivelyYou members will receive Option 2.

Available statewide
BlueScript for Medicare Part D is also available statewide to anyone eligible for Medicare Part A or enrolled in Medicare Part B. The monthly premium for Option 1 is $45.89; for Option 2, $57.71. To be covered on Jan. 1, 2006, Medicare beneficiaries must join by Dec. 31, 2005.

*Out-of-network pharmacies may cost more.

www.bcbsfl.com
(800) 809-8568

www.medicare.gov
(800) MEDICARE