TRICARE and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Posted: March 10, 2009
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Starting January 1, 2006, the new Medicare prescription drug coverage became available to everyone with Medicare Part A and/or Part B.
For nearly all TRICARE-Medicare beneficiaries, under most circumstances, there is no added value in purchasing Medicare prescription drug coverage if you have TRICARE.
TRICARE pharmacy coverage is considered creditable coverage since it pays, on average, as much or more than the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage. Because TRICARE Pharmacy is creditable coverage, TRICARE beneficiaries are not required to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.
The exception to this general rule may be those with limited incomes and assets who qualify for Medicare's extra help with prescription drug plan costs; such individuals may benefit by enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan.
TRICARE-Medicare eligible beneficiaries, entitled to the TRICARE Pharmacy benefit, need to consider a number of factors when deciding whether or not to enroll in a Medicare drug plan. Consider monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pays and drug coverage under the different prescription drug plan options offered (also known as a formulary), including the TRICARE Pharmacy Program.
If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for extra help paying for the Medicare prescription drug premiums, deductible and cost shares.
Another benefit to enrollment in Medicare Prescription Drug coverage: if TRICARE eligibility is lost (for example, due to divorce, remarriage, etc.), you will have a Medicare prescription drug special enrollment period which begins the day you lose TRICARE coverage and ends 62 days after you lose TRICARE coverage.
Medicare Prescription Drug coverage is another option to consider adding to your TRICARE coverage. Find out if it pays for you.
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