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Choose the right Medicare drug plan
Save money
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Prescription drug costs can take a double toll on retirees, who often live on fixed incomes and are also likely to need more — and more costly — medications as they get older. That’s why the government created Medicare Part D, a voluntary program that subsidizes prescription drugs for Medicare recipients.
If you’re eligible for Medicare, be aware that the six-week annual Part D open enrollment period for 2010 takes place from this Nov. 15 through Dec. 31. Except in a few circumstances, if you miss that window you’ll need to remain in your current plan until 2011.
Here are a few details on Medicare Part D:
Eligibility. If you’re 65 or older or have certain qualifying disabilities, you are eligible to participate in Medicare. (Go to www.medicare.gov for eligibility information.) To sign up for Medicare Part D you must also be enrolled in Part A (hospitalization), and/or Part B (doctor visits and outpatient services). Under Part C, people enroll in a private Medicare plan that usually provides limited prescription drug coverage — be sure to check before joining Part D.
Signing up. Even if you think you don’t currently need prescription drug coverage, remember you may face a late penalty that grows monthly if you don’t sign up within your initial enrollment period — typically the three months before and after the month you turn 65.
Alternate coverage. If you already have prescription drug coverage through an employer or union plan and it is considered “creditable” (equal or better coverage than Part D), you can stay in that plan without incurring a late penalty for later joining Part D. Ask your current provider if their plan is considered creditable. If so, weigh its costs and features carefully before switching to Part D. It may be a better bargain.
Choosing a plan. Dozens of Part D plans exist with widely varying costs, coverage and convenience. When comparing plans:
• First go to www.medicare.gov and click on “Prescription Drug Plan,” where you’ll find helpful information on how the plan works and factors to consider when choosing a plan.
• Use the interactive Drug Plan Finder to compare features of plans available in your area. (You can also do this by phone at 1-800-633-4227.)
• Each plan has a “formulary,” which is a list of drugs covered at varying copayment amounts. Formularies vary widely and can change from year to year, so it’s important to compare plans annually.
• Enter all your medications and dosages into the finder for comparison. You may not find a plan that covers all your medications, but aim for one that at least covers the most expensive drugs. Also, note that they may cover generic versions, when available.
• Make sure the plans include your preferred pharmacies.
• Once you’ve entered your information into the Drug Plan Finder, you can compare plans side-by-side in terms of overall cost, deductible and copayment amounts, user ratings, and other factors.
In addition to the Medicare site, another good resource is AARP (www.aarp.org/medicare). Also, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to help you choose the most cost-effective plan for your situation.

Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. Sign up for his free monthly e-Newsletter at www.practicalmoneyskills.com/newsletter.
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Visit with children a real eye-opener
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One of my favorite activities as a state senator is when I get to speak to students at our local schools. This year, I spoke to third-grade students at May Howard Elementary and Marshpoint Elementary in Chatham County and Button Gwinnett Elementary in Liberty County.
The students from each of the schools had been studying civics and were familiar with the three branches of government — executive, judicial and legislative. I explained my role as a senator in the legislative process and told the children how the citizen legislature in the state of Georgia works.
Presenting each of the schools with a Georgia state flag, I explained the three principles for which the state flag stands — wisdom, justice and moderation — and had them recite the pledge to the flag with me. 
The students at all three schools were bright, respectful and well-disciplined — a tribute to their families and especially to their teachers, who had prepared the students for my visit with ideas for great questions.
The students in Ms. Hutchinson’s class at Marshpoint Elementary were impressive in singing the preamble to the Constitution during my visit. What a great way to learn such an important part of our nation’s history — another wonderful example of the great job our teachers are doing.
I was delighted last week to receive thank-you letters from some of the students. Here are excerpts from a few of their letters:
 
Dear Mr. Carter,
Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to come speak to us. I learned so much! I learned that there are two kinds of Pledge of Allegiances. That is pretty cool.
Do you travel all over the world do you? I really like that you taught me more about the three branches of government.
— Megan
 
Dear Sen. Carter,
Thank you for telling us about your job and your favorite thing about your job. I liked the Georgia state flag. I still have more questions. Do you have to work on Saturday and Sunday? Are you the only one who makes the laws?
Yours truly,
Ryleigh 


Dear Sen. Buddy Carter,
Thank you for coming and letting us have a little bit of your time. I want you to know that I learned something new. The Georgia pledge! Justice, wisdom and modesty! Thanks again!
— Liam
 
Dear Sen. Buddy Carter,
Thank you for coming and helping us learn more about the government and some of your job. Thank you for giving us a Georgia flag. It was fun when you came. Thank you for giving us some questions so we could answer them.
P.S. Did you ride in a limousine? I was going to ask you a question but then I forgot. But now I remember. How many rooms are there where you work? You can send me a note if you can.
Your friend,
Erin
 
I’m uncertain whether the students learned as much from me during my visit as I learned from them. One thing that I was reminded of was the honesty that comes from the innocence of childhood. I wasn’t quite sure how to interpret some of the questions, such as the one asked in this letter:
 
Dear Sen. Carter,
I loved your speech. Thanks for coming to our school. I think my favorite part was when we held the flag. It was so fun! I have a question: How many people voted for you?
Sincerely,
Shelly
 
I also was more than a little concerned about a recurring question in the thank-you notes that was posed to me during one of my visits by a beautiful, brown-eyed girl who, with a very serious look on her face, asked “Did you ever get re-elected be-fore?”


What a great group of young people! My faith and hope in our future has been reassured. What an amazing job our families and teachers are doing on a daily basis to support and encourage our next generation. Thank you for your dedication to teaching our leaders of tomor-row.

Sen. Buddy Carter can be reached at Coverdell Legislative Office Building (C.L.O.B.) Room 301-A, Atlanta, GA, 30334. His Capitol office number is 404-656-5109

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