The following report by Call 4 Action reporter Meghan Jones first aired Nov. 14, 2005, on WTAE Channel 4 Action News at 5 p.m.

---

Call 4 Action has received many e-mail questions about the new Medicare Part D program -- and we have the answers.

Some of the biggest changes in the history of Medicare are about to take effect.

Hundreds of new prescription drug plans will be available starting Tuesday, and millions of older Americans will be affected.

Are you confused? Do you have questions about the new process?

It's important to point out that everyone who is Medicare eligible has until May 15 to enroll in a Medicare Part D program.

Your Questions:

• Are any of the new prescription plans better than PACE?


• If you are on the PACE program for prescription drugs, do you need to choose other coverage?


• I have more than $4,000 in prescription costs per year. What should I do?


• Will your other health coverage be terminated if you do not enroll in Medicare Part D?


• What does the minimum coverage include?


• How long do you have to enroll?


• What happens if you miss the deadline?


• Will anyone call me to tell me about their company's prescription plan?


• How do you enroll in Medicare Part D?


• Upcoming Public Meetings

---

THE ANSWERS

Are any of the new prescription plans better than PACE?

PACE is a state prescription plan. The answer here is no.

"Right now, if you are currently on PACE, I would suggest that you stay on it because that provides you with a very good benefit," said U.S. Rep. Melissa Hart.

If you are on the PACE program for prescription drugs, do you need to choose other coverage?

The answer: You should look into Medicare Part D, because it may save you money.

Its important to point out that the right plan -- and even whether Medicare Part D is right for you -- depends on your individual circumstances, including the prescription drugs you currently take.

I have more than $4,000.00 in prescription costs per year. What should I do?

Answer: Examine each plan. Each company offers different coverage. Some companies offer more coverage than the Medicare standard plan.

Will my other health coverage be terminated if I do not enroll in Medicare Part D?

No, but you will want to weigh the benefit of your current plan with Part D.

What does the minimum coverage include?
The standard plan includes

• $250 deductible that is paid first
• Everything between $250 and $2,250 is 75 percent covered. Everything between $2,250 and $3,600 is out of pocket for the patient. Everything above $3,600 is 95 percent covered.

How long do you have to enroll?
The deadline is May 15, 2006.

What happens if you miss the deadline?
You will pay a premium penalty of 1 percent every month enrollment was delayed. That penalty remains as long as you have that coverage.

Will anyone call me to tell me about their company's prescription plan?
The answer is maybe, but they should not ask you for personal information.

"You control signing up for this information, and that means you control when you give out personal information," said Mark McClellan of Medicare and Medicaid Services.

How do you enroll in Medicare Part D?
You can enroll by phone, online or by U.S. Mail.

---

Upcoming Meetings

For seniors who have questions or who want to know more:

Highland Park Care Center, 745 North Highland Ave., Highland Park, at 7 p.m. Thursday. (412) 362-6622.

David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Friday. (412) 734-9330.