Individuals with prescription drug plans are closely following benefit developments with Medicare Part D. This is of special interest to older people and people with disabilities who rely on Medicare, since they are being presented with choices concerning Medicare Part D, the new Medicare prescription drug plan. The initial enrollment period for Part D began on November 15, 2005 and ends May 15, 2006.

VISTA believes it is important for consumers to become knowledgeable about the new prescription drug benefits. A useful strategy is to learn more about the prescription drug plans ando understand the terminology used to describe the benefits under the benefit plan.

The availability of a prescription drug plan with Medicare in 2006 is a very significant development. All Medicare recipients qualify to enroll in coverage that includes prescription drug benefits. Here are some prescription drug plan highlights. Some prescription drug plans may have additional options to help you pay the out-of-pocket costs. Additional prescription drug plan assistance is available for people with low incomes and limited assets. Medicare beneficiaries with incomes below a specified limit may not have to pay the premiums or deductible for prescription drugs on the prescription drug plan. If you qualify, you will only pay a small co-payment for each prescription you need. Other individuals with low incomes and limited assets my receive assistance paying the premiums and deductible amounts. The amount paid for each prescription will be based on your income and assets as determined by the Social Security Administration or the Florida Department of Children and Families. VISTA has comprehensive information available about the prescription drug plan by visiting our site at: http://www.vistahealthplan.com