.  Medicare Part-D  .  HIPAA Privacy  .   

How will it affect Pensioners & Surviving Spouses?

Medicare Part D plans are available to every person who is eligible for Medicare.  All such plans will provide at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare and some plans may offer more coverage for a higher monthly premium.  Note that the Medicare Part D prescription drug program is NOT a benefit provided through the Southern California Pipe Trades Health & Welfare Fund.  It is provided through Medicare and is marketed by various Medicare-approved “Prescription Drug Providers” (PDPs).  If you are eligible for Medicare, you will have a chance to enroll in a Medicare-approved Part D plan from November 15^th through December 31^st of each year.  You should compare the benefits (including which drugs are covered) and costs of the Part D plans available in your area.  The Fund cannot provide you with a comparison of such available plans, but we urge you to carefully review any descriptions you may obtain.

The Fund does provide you with a prescription drug benefit, but due to its $600 annual maximum it is generally not as good as the standard Part D coverage.[1]  If you are Medicare-eligible and do not have any other prescription drug coverage, and if you do not enroll in a Part D plan, then you will be charged a late enrollment penalty if you ever subsequently attempt to sign up with a Part D plan.  Specifically, you will be charged a permanent Part D premium surcharge of 1% for every month since your initial Medicare eligibility (if such period exceeds 62 days).  Also note that you may have to wait for the next regular annual Part D enrollment period, which will be November 15^th through December 31^st for coverage in the following calendar year.