FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com november 5, 2015 • health • The Courier sun 7 ▶health Frequently asked questions about Medicare Part D Why can’t I add an existing drug? Why isn’t my drug listed? Plan Finder doesn’t include every drug that Medicare covers. The Plan Finder drug list is updated on a regular basis. If you can’t find your drug, contact your plan to find out if it is covered. Remember that Medicare drug plans may choose to cover some or all of the drugs that Medicare covers. Plans may also cover drugs that aren’t listed. Plan Finder doesn’t show pricing for over-thecounter drugs or diabetic supplies (e.g. test strips, lancets, needles), so these items can’t be added to your drug list. Why are the drug prices I’m paying higher at my pharmacy than what Plan Finder indicates? A number of factors affect drug prices: drug dosage and quantity selected, pharmacy selection, the subsidy level of the beneficiary, as well as the actual timing for drug purchases. Plan Finder provides estimated pricing for what you will pay at your pharmacy. If the dosages and frequencies you use on Plan Finder are different than what you’ve been prescribed, you may go into a coverage phase that may have an effect on the cost share you pay. When are drug prices updated on Plan Finder? Plan Finder drug prices are updated regularly from October through August. Pricing for the current year is frozen in September in preparation for the new plan year’s display. Why can’t I find my pharmacy on the list? A certain radius is selected to display pharmacies in your area. In order to find more or other pharmacies, you can increase the search radius or use the “Search by Pharmacy Name or Address” feature. How can I be sure that my enrollment went through? If the ‘Confirmation’ page displays with a 14-digit confirmation number, your enrollment has been saved. You should write down the confirmation number or print the confirmation page so that you can refer to it later, or when you want to call the plan or 1-800-MEDICARE. you can also use the “Email Your Confirmation” button to send an email containing all the information on the Confirmation page. If I’m a Medicare beneficiary, what information do I need to have to search for plans? You can always perform a General Search using only your zip code. You will then be asked to enter other information for a more accurate search, such as the list of your drugs and your favorite pharmacies. For a more Personalized Search, at minimum you will need to have your Zip code, Medicare number, last name, effective date for your plan and date of birth. I have some special needs. How do I find plans reflecting my conditions? In Step 4 of 4 (Refine Your Plan Results) of the search, expand the “Select Special Needs Plans” option on the left side of the screen. The various special needs plan options will be listed on the next page of the search, the Plan Results page. Why can’t I compare some plans? When viewing the search results, some plans will show a blue information button indicating that comparison is suppressed. Some of these plans may be categorized as Medicare-Medicaid Plans. These plans can’t be compared with other Prescription Drug Plans. Why can’t I enroll in some plans? There may be several reasons why Plan Finder doesn’t offer an enrollment option for some plans. For example, some plans opt not to offer an online enrollment option. And, some low performing plans are restricted from offering online enrollment. Sometimes when I do a plan search with drugs, I can’t use the enrollment button; Plan Finder tells me to contact the plan to enroll. However, when I do a search without adding drugs or look the plan up directly, I can use the enrollment button. What does this mean? If you can’t use the enrollment button, it may be because the plan is “Part D Suppressed”. With Part D Suppression, there has been an inaccuracy in a plan’s drug pricing submission. The enrollment button will be disabled ONLY if you do a search with drugs. If you do a search without drugs, the enrollment button can be used. Plan Finder discourages enrollment into plans that have submitted inaccurate drug prices. Your Path to Lifelong Health and Well-being By Dr. Lisa Blondin, Humana When it comes to health care, prevention is key. It’s always better to keep you from getting sick than to have to treat a disease. That’s why obtaining an annual exam and regular health screenings from your primary care physician are so important. As a physician, I strongly encourage all Medicare members to take advantage of the annual wellness visit offered through their health plans at no additional cost. This benefit provides you with services and resources to keep your health on track. Importantly, your annual health exam is the perfect opportunity for your doctor to make sure all preventive screenings for chronic conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and various forms of cancer, are up-to-date. Here are several you should consider, and most are covered at no or low cost by Medicare. • Bone density screenings: These are important because they help identify osteoporosis, or weak bones. In general, the lower your bone density, the higher your risk of fracture. • Glaucoma screenings: Glaucoma, an eye disease caused by extra fluid pressure in your eye, can cause gradual sight loss, often without symptoms. However, a simple test may catch it before you lose your vision. • Blood pressure and cholesterol: Watching your blood pressure and cholesterol may help reduce your chances for a heart attack. • Blood sugar: The risk of diabetes increases with age, and high blood sugar levels can lead to heart problems, kidney disease, eye damage, nerve disease and other serious problems. • Mammograms: Women should get regular mammograms. • Colon cancer screening: The risk of developing colorectal cancer increases with age. Fortunately, colorectal cancer is one of the most curable of cancers if it is found in its early stages. However, the early stages typically do not cause any symptoms, which is why regular screenings are necessary by age 50 and at age 40 if you are at high risk. • Flu shots: Get one every year, especially if you’re a senior, since the flu is particularly dangerous for seniors, who often have pre-existing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. Although there are several ways to reduce the risk of catching the flu virus, such as washing your hands often, controlling your chronic illnesses and eating healthy, an annual flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the flu and reduce the risk of complications. A common misconception is that you can actually get sick with the flu from the vaccine. This is simply untrue. Flu vaccines are safe, effective and have been used for more than 60 years. Fortunately, there are free and low-cost options for New York City residents to receive flu shots. For example, Medicare Advantage plans cover annual vaccines for members at no additional coverage. Take action today to help keep your health on track. Schedule that check up with your primary care doctor and review the preventive measures that will help keep you on a path to lifelong health and well-being. Lisa Blondin, M.D., is a board certified primary care physician and a Chief Medical Officer for Humana. NYHJEVFEN
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