In mid-October, Prescription Drug Plans will announce which drugs will be on their lists and the details of how much their plans will cost. If you find a plan that meets your needs, you have between November 15, 2005 and May 15, 2006 to sign up for a plan without paying any late penalties. You can choose not to sign up for a plan, but may have to pay the penalties if you sign up after May 15.
If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, you will be automatically enrolled in a Prescription Drug Plan. This plan might not cover the drugs you need. You do have the right to switch drug plans. You can switch before the coverage begins on January 1, but you have to know which plan will meet your needs. Local Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) volunteers are trained to provide one-on-one counseling. To find your local HICAP office, check CalMedicare's Medicare Counseling page
, or call (800) 434-0222.
Before meeting with a counselor, it is important to know which government programs you are enrolled in, some details about your income and earnings, and which medications you currently take. This Planning Tool can help you organize that information before meeting with a counselor and can be a helpful way to organize yourself even if you are not going to be automatically enrolled.
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