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On this page, we've provided several publications on Medicare's drug benefit. Most of the information in this section covers the standard drug benefit. If you want information on Medicare's added help for low-income individuals, see Low Income? Extra Help.
If you'd like greater detail on the basic benefit, the low-income assistance, or the regulations governing the program, see More Details.
From Families USA: For Advocates, Consumers, and Legislators
Q&A: Understanding the New Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Overview of the basics of the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003.
The Medicare Drug Benefit: How Much Will You Pay? These tables can help you estimate what you'll pay for prescription drugs under the Medicare drug benefit, including those enrolled in Medicaid. (updated April 2009)
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Your Medicare Drug Bill: What It Looks Like in the Future: Tables show how out-of-pocket costs under the new Medicare drug law will increase from 2006 to 2013. (Spring 2004)
Worksheet for Medicare's Basic Drug Benefit: This companion to our Medicare Calculator takes beneficiaries through a step-by-step process to estimate their out-of-pocket drug costs when the program begins in 2006. (Spring 2004)
Extra Help for Your Drug Costs: Do You Qualify?: This piece helps low-income beneficiaries determine whether they will be able to receive extra help with drug costs under the new law whether they are or are not also enrolled in Medicaid (updated March 2007).
Will You Be Eligible for Low-Income Assistance in 2007? A Decision Tree Chart: A flow chart that can help beneficiaries sort out the confusing eligibility requirements for different levels of low-income assistance. (updated March 2007)
From Families USA: For Legislators
Overview of Medicare's Drug Benefit and What It Means for States: The new drug benefit has substantial implications for states. This publication outlines some of the things states need to consider in their planning and gives a brief overview of some of the ways states might help their residents with remaining drug costs—costs that will be substantial for many.
From Other Sources
CMS's State Page
National Conference of State Legislatures Medicare Resource Center
Getting Help
For help understanding the drug benefit and the options available, consumers should contact their local State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). Click here for information on how to contact the program nearest you where counselors can provide individualized help.
You can also call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE or visit Medicare's Web site at http://www.medicare.gov/.
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