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Web Site Resources
Medicare Part D Information
As you may know in November 2005 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began enrolling seniors and the disabled in a new program called Medicare Part D designed to provide prescription drug coverage for Medicare Beneficiaries. The initial enrollment period ended in May 2006, but every year there will be an open enrollment period from November to December.
The research shows that family caregivers have played a special role in helping their loved ones choose a Medicare Part D plan. If you are currently looking for information on the Part D benefit, the following Web sites can help.
Great Medicare Informational Web Sites:
Medicare/Medicaid Links
CMS--Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (formerly HCFA)
Web site: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/
This government-agency Web site provides information about Medicare and Medicaid programs, access to consumer publications and forms, e-mail access to customer service, and local contacts. On the CMS Web site, there are two publications that deal specifically with caregiving. They are:
Medicare Basics: A Guide for Caregivers (PDF file – 868 KB at Medicare.gov)
This publication leads the caregiver through the eight key “decision points” that relate to the health or overall well-being of an older person. For each of these “decision points,” basic information about Medicare is provided along with suggestions on how to find more detailed information.
When Employees Become Caregivers: A Manager’s Workbook (PDF 311 KB)This publication guides employers on how to make needed Eldercare and Medicare information available to their caregiving employees at little or no cost. Employers will find suggestions and guidance on how to implement an Eldercare program that will be able to respond to the Eldercare needs of their employees and the organization’s individual circumstances.
Medicare
Web site: http://www.Medicare.gov/
This is the official U.S. government site for information on Medicare. At this site, consumers can search for information on health plans, nursing homes, dialysis facilities, Medigap policies, Medicare activities, participating physicians and prescription drug assistance programs in their area. The site also provides information on Medicare basics such as eligibility, enrollment, Medicare cards and replacement card ordering.