Medicare Beneficiaries Need To Review And Compare Drug Coverage

The 2009 Medicare prescription and Medicare Advantage plan options were announced by CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems. About 97 percent or medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in a PDP will be able to access Medicare drug and health plans in 2009. The premiums would be less than those of 2008 or the same.

In the fourth year of Medicare Part D prescription drug program, there was a high rate of satisfaction among beneficiaries as well as a high rate of participation according to Weems. There is a change in offerings from plans from year to year. It might be better for beneficiaries to review and change their plans if necessary in their best interest.

Atleast one prescription drug plan with a premium of less than twenty dollars per month will be accessible in every state. In Alaska, there will be access to one prescription drug plan at twenty three dollars a month. People qualifying for a full Medicare subsidy will not pay deductibles or premiums in these plans.

All beneficiaries will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan in 2009. 2009 plans will begin to be marketed from the first of October. There will be numerous outreach events this fall.