NEWS FROM MEDICARE

Beginning January 1, 2006, most people with Medicare will be able to get prescription drug coverage as a Medicare benefit. You can receive Medicare's prescription drug coverage in two ways:

      1.) Have original Medicare and apply for an approved Prescription Drug Plan (PDP), or
      2.) Join a Medicare Advantage Plan that offers the new prescription drug coverage (MA-PDs).

If you are entitled to Medicare Part A and/or enrolled in Medicare Part B, you can choose to apply for this important coverage. The costs and benefits may differ from one Prescription Drug Plan to another. People with Medicare who do not sign-up during enrollment period may be penalized. For more detailed information please call 1-800-669-8387.

For people with limited income there is extra help with drug plan costs. If you qualify, the federal government will pay the monthly premium, deductible and co-pays. Contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or GeorgiaCares at 1-800-669-8387.

Important dates for you to remember:

• October 15, 2005          Approved Prescription Drug Plans will be announced


• November 15, 2005      Open enrollment begins


• January 1, 2006              Prescription drug coverage will begin


• May 15, 2006                Open enrollment ends