Advice for 2008 Medicare Part D Drug Coverage

If you have not yet enrolled in the new Medicare Part D benefit for this year, you likely will have to wait until Nov. 15 for a six-week open enrollment period for coverage that begins in January 2008.

However, you can still enroll for drug coverage in 2007 if:

• You turn 65 at any point this year.
• You are newly qualified as a disabled person covered under Medicare.
• Your annual income is below about $15,000 a year, or $20,000 as a couple, and your assets are less than $12,000 for an individual or $24,000 for a couple.

With dozens of plans to choose from, and the potential to fall into the dreaded ‘doughnut hole’ coverage gap, the decision can be confusing. Click here for our advice (PDF), as well as how to track how your plan works for you.

If you’re enrolled in Medicare Part D or not, Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs could help you save money by presenting you with more affordable drug options. Click here to see if there are cheaper and just-as-effective medicines for your health-care needs.

Useful links

Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs – Learn how to save money on your prescription drugs through this free site

Prescription for Change - Consumers Union's advocacy effort for safe, effective and affordable prescription drugs.

Help in Picking a Medicare Drug Plan – Find your state’s health insurance assistance program, which will help you with plans in your state

Medicare Rights Center - Overview of the new benefit and other guidance

Social Security Administration - Learn about the new benefit and enroll for low-income assistance

Center for Medicare Advocacy - Guidance and online tutorials on the new benefit

Kaiser Family Foundation - Guidance and useful information from this health research organization

How Congress Can Improve the Medicare Benefit?

Learn about Consumers Union's efforts to improve the Medicare drug benefit for consumers and taxpayers.