News from SHINE – April 2017
Need help with prescription drug costs? Prescription Advantage may be your answer!
By now, some of you may have reached or are getting close to the gap or âdonut holeâ with your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). In 2017, you fall into the Medicare Part D gap when the negotiated retail cost of your medications reach $3,700. Once in the gap, you are now responsible for 40% of the negotiated retail cost for brand name medications and 51% for generics.
Prescription Advantage, which is a state-run program, can assist you in this gap and/or put a cap on your out-of-pocket cost for medications.
Eligibility is based on income only and there is no asset limit!
If you are a Massachusetts resident and eligible for Medicare, the income limits are:
- Age 65 or over- $60,300 or less for a single person or $81,200 or less for a married couple.
- Under age 65 and disabled- $22,673 or less for a single person or $30,531 or less for a married couple.
There is no charge for joining Prescription Advantage if you have an annual income at or less than $36,180 for a single person or $48,720 for a married couple. However, there is a $200 per person annual enrollment fee for those with higher incomes.
You may also join if you are 65 years or older and not eligible for Medicare. If you are not eligible for Medicare, Prescription Advantage will be your primary prescription drug plan and there is no income limit.
Medicare also has a program, called âExtra Helpâ, which can assist with the cost of your Medicare Part D planâs premium, deductible, and co-pays. Please call the Senior Center to make an appointment with a SHINE counselor for more information on these programs or assistance with any Medicare issue. Trained SHINE volunteers offer free, confidential counseling on all aspects of Medicare and related health insurance programs.
The Barnstable County Department of Human Services administers the regional office for the Cape and Islands SHINE Program (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone). SHINE counselors provide free health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers.
