| On June 18, 2005, NACHC Communications responded to an editorial in the Sunday
Washington Post, entitled “Medicaid Explosion” in a letter to the editor. The
letter contains some talking points and new information that may be useful in
creating editorial materials around the Medicaid debate. Click on link to read
the editorial: Click Here.
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Medicaid Explosion Letter
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| Q. I understand that SSA may call me if they need more information to process
the Application for Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs. How will
I know if a call is from SSA and not part of a scam?
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| A: SSA may call you if some questions on the application weren’t answered or if
they can’t read the answer. They may also call you to check any differences
between your answers on the application and information they receive from other
Federal agencies about your income or resources. When SSA calls you for more
information, they should never ask you for bank account numbers, credit card
numbers, or life insurance policy numbers. The only time SSA will ask for your
Social Security Number is if the number on the application isn’t valid, and
they need the correct number. If you get a suspicious call from someone
claiming to be from SSA, hang up and call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 to find out if
the call was real.
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| The partnership web site portal on cms.hhs.gov has been updated to include the
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Outreach Toolkit. The toolkit is designed
to equip community-level organizations with the materials needed to provide
clear, accurate information and assistance to their clients on the Medicare
prescription drug coverage. The toolkit is developed with basic,
straightforward information that can be easily conveyed to beneficiaries. You
can access it at:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/partnerships/tools/materials/medicaretraining/MPDCoutreachkit.asp |
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| for Dual-Eligibles (As of June 13, 2005). This information was
compiled and provided by the New Jersey Department of Human Services Division
of Medical Assistance and Health Services.
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| Who qualifies for Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit (Part D)?
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| All people eligible for Medicare are eligible for the
Part D Drug Benefit, including people who are enrolled in the Medicare Part A
and Part B programs. |
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| Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over
the age of 65 and people who are disabled. Medicaid is a state health insurance
program for people of all ages who are poor or disabled.
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| In New Jersey, there are approximately 140,000 people who are
eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare. These individuals are referred to as
“dual-eligibles.”
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| These 140,000 dual-eligibles include people with disabilities
and people receiving health care services in nursing homes, home- and
community-based care waiver programs and in developmental centers and
psychiatric hospitals.
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| When will the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit start?
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| The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit
starts on January 1, 2006.
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| Why do I have to change programs?
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| The federal law does not allow Medicaid to provide
prescription drugs that Medicare will start to offer in January 2006. In order
for you to continue to receive prescription drugs, you must take advantage of
the new Part D program.
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| What do I have to do to enroll in the Medicare Drug Benefit?
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| Nothing. The federal Medicare program will automatically
enroll dual-eligibles into a Medicare prescription drug plan this coming fall.
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| Will all my drugs be covered by Medicare?
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| Unfortunately, this is not an easy
answer. Medicare will automatically enroll dual-eligibles into a Medicare
prescription drug plan, but you may switch plans based on what best meets your
needs. No matter what plan you are assigned to or you select you should consult
with your physician and pharmacist so you get the prescriptions that are
medically necessary. |
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| What else should I know about the Medicare Drug Benefit?
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| Starting January 2006, you will need to pay the pharmacist a
co-pay for each prescription you pick up. Depending on your income, the co-pays
will range between $1-2 for a generic drug and $3-5 for a brand name drug.
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| How can I learn more?
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| You should pay attention to what you
receive in the mail. The New Jersey Department of Human Services and the
federal Medicare program will be sending important information this summer and
fall including a “Medicare & You” 2006 handbook. If you have internet
access you can find more information about the program. Here are some useful
websites:
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| Who do I call if I have a problem with the Medicare Drug Benefit?
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| You should call the Medicare hotline toll free at
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or the State of New Jersey Medicaid toll free
number at 1-800-356-1531.
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