FAQ - Retiree Prescription Drug Coverage - Medco Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)

1. What changes are being made to retiree prescription drug coverage?
   Retirees and dependent spouses and/or partners who are eligible for Medicare will be automatically enrolled in Medco Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) which is a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
   
   
2. Do I need to do anything because of the change?
   No. The State Health Benefits Program (SHBP) and Medco will automatically enroll eligible retirees into Medicare Part D and the new Medco Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP).
   
   
3. Why are these changes being made?
   The new prescription plan will provide significant savings to the programs each year, which will help to lower premium increases.
   
   
4. How does this affect my coverage under Medicare Part A and/or Part B?
   Medco Medicare PDP is a Medicare prescription drug plan and is in addition to your coverage under Medicare Part A and/or Part B. Your enrollment in the plan does not affect your coverage under Medicare Part A and/or Part B.  All retirees belonging to the SHBP who are eligible for Medicare must enroll in and maintain both Medicare Part A (Hospital) and Part B (Medical) coverage.
   
   It is your responsibility to inform Medco PDP of any prescription drug coverage that you have or may get in the future.
   
   
5. Will my copayments change?
   The Medco Medicare Prescription Drug Plan provides “wrap-around” coverage that eliminates the “coverage gap” also known as the “donut hole.”  Members will continue to pay the appropriate copayment for prescription drugs.
   
   
6. May I continue to use my current pharmacy?
   Yes, if your pharmacy currently accepts the Medco plan from the SHBP, you will be able to continue using that pharmacy with the Medco Medicare (PDP). However, if your pharmacy does not accept Medicare Part D plans, you may elect a participating pharmacy in order to use the SHBP prescription drug benefits through Medco Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP). You may locate a participating using the Medco Pharmacy locator.
   
   
7. How will my prescription coverage change if I decide not to enroll in Medicare Part D?
   Retired members, and/or dependents, who do not enroll in the Medco Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) but enroll in a privately offered Medicare Part D plan will lose their SHBP prescription drug coverage. In addition, the SHBP will not cover the costs of any drugs that are not covered by the Medicare Part D plan. Retirees should carefully review plan options if comparing Medicare D plans. 
   
   
8. Are there any other costs associated with this coverage?
   Retiree currently being reimbursed for Medicare B premiums by the SHBP will also be reimbursed for any Medicare Part D premiums. However, retirees who are not eligible for Medicare B & D reimbursement, who earn more than $85,000 per year ($170,000 if married and filing jointly) will have a deduction from their Social Security benefit for Medicare Part D as follows:
   
   

   YOU PAY IN 2012	IF YOUR YEARLY INCOME IS
   Part D	Single	Married Couple
   Your Plan Premium*	$85,000 or less	$170,000 or Less
   $11.60 + Your Plan Premium	$85,001 - $107,000	$170,001 - $214,000
   $29.90 + Your Plan Premium	$107,001 - $160,000	$214,001 – $320,000
   $48.10 + Your Plan Premium	$160,001 – $214,000	$320,001 - $428,000
   $66.40 + Your Plan Premium	Above $214,000	Above $428,000

   
   
   
9. How can I receive additional information about the plan?
   You may contact the Medco Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP at 1-866-544-9703.)

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Last Updated: 12/22/2011