Medicare Part D, Prescription Drug Coverage will begin its fifth year on January 1, 2010  This prescription coverage provides significant value to most people with Medicare.

If you have limited income and resources, you may also qualify for assistance in paying for Medicare prescription drug coverage.  To apply for this extra help, you may call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-778) or visit www.socialsecurity.gov to complete the on-line application.  If you received an application for the extra help in the mail, we encourage you to complete and return it in the enclosed envelope.  

 There are a few things you should know about selecting a Medicare prescription drug plan.  In general, if you want to receive the new Medicare prescription drug coverage, you will have two choices:  

1.   You may stay in a Medicare Advantage plan or join another Medicare health plan that covers your doctor and hospital care and provides Medicare prescription drug coverage.  If you are a member of Quality Health Plans, Inc., you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and will automatically have Medicare prescription drug coverage from Quality Health Plans, Inc.;

OR 

2.   You may choose to join a Medicare prescription drug plan that adds coverage to the Original Medicare plan. 

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Members of Quality Health Plans, Inc., have Medicare prescription drug coverage unless you are a member of Advantage Value Florida.  If they sign up for Medicare prescription drug coverage from any other Medicare prescription drug plan, they will be automatically disenrolled from their current Medicare Advantage plan offered by Quality Health Plans, Inc.  While they would continue to be covered under Medicare, disenrolling from their plan could affect their choice of physician; the costs of their hospital and other covered care, including their prescription drug benefits, and any supplemental benefits that they currently receive.  

We look forward to having the opportunity to provide your new Medicare prescription drug coverage along with your other Medicare coverage.  If you have any questions before we send you additional information, Florida members please contact us at 1 (866) 747-2700, TTY: 1 (866) 455-6010, New York members should call 1 (877) 233-7058, TTY: 1 (877) 681-4984 or visit www.medicare.gov.