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February 13, 2012
Binyamin Rose: Back to the Bunker: How a life-risking act by a Christian family during the Holocaust saved a family and built a thriving community a world away
Menachem Wecker: Business Schools Teach Real Estate Despite Troubled Housing Market
February 10, 2012
Lisa M. Krieger: Man with defibrillator demands access to his own heart's information
David G. Savage: Why activists may not be in a hurry to have High Court rule on alternative marriage
February 9, 2012
Laura McMullen: 10 Least Expensive Public Schools for Out-of-State Students
Kimberly Palmer: How to actually enjoy -- relaxing, financially -- your vacation
February 8, 2012
Warren Richey: Why momentous Prop. 8 ruling might not satisfy gay-rights groups
Menachem Wecker: Though Controversial, LL.M.'s Can Lead to Specialized Legal Jobs
The Kosher Gourmet byDana Velden: Going to the bother of making soup? You know it better be good. This CREAM OF TOMATO SOUP certainly is! And it's a cinch to make, too (Includes techinques and serving secrets)
February 7, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.: Caught off-guard? President's Super Bowl interview with Matt Lauer gives those who need a reason not to vote for him, a darn good one
Suzanne Bohan: Leaping lizards! Tiny reptiles advancing robot design
February 6, 2012
Jonathan Tobin: Iran Threatens Israel With Destruction, But the New York Times Doesn't Hear It
Jeffrey Fleishman: In newly democratic Egypt, tens of democracy activists jailed, to stand trial; their groups are 'threatening the stability of the homeland'
Julie Deardorff : Researchers say antioxidants may not be that effective and could do more harm than good
Mark Clayton: How did Anonymous hackers eavesdrop on FBI and Scotland Yard?
February 3, 2012
Edmund Sanders : Israeli official says Iran is creating missile that could reach East Coast of US
Victoria Kim: Immigrant-smuggling ring used black drivers to avoid racial profiling
February 2, 2012
Jim Carney: Wrong number call may have saved her life
Reza Kahlili : Ex-CIA spy in Iran's Revolutionary Guard: What Obama doesn't grasp about striking deals with Tehran
Tina Susman: For woodchuck rescuer, every day is Groundhog Day
February 1, 2012
Brian Bennett: US officials see increasing threat of domestic attack from Iran
Emily Brandon: How to Take Advantage of New 401(k) Fee Disclosures
January 31, 2012
January 30, 2012
Paul Richter and Ramin Mostaghim: Misreading Teheran's limits -- deadly and economically devastating as they may be -- is a risk administration, Europe seem willing to take
Suzanne Bohan: Warning: Nap-deprived tots missing more than sleep, study finds
Meg Handley: Banks Revamping Rewards Programs to Woo Customers
January 27, 2012
Caroline B. Glick: Obama: Of course I intend to prevent a nuclear holocaust . . . in a few months
Yochonon Donn: In liberal New York City, fervently-Orthodox Jews may soon be getting a district to call their own
Jeannine Stein: An inflated ego and thinking you're 'all that' doesn't just make others sick of you, it can make you ill
Katy Hopkins: New budget rules may affect how much money you get for college
January 26, 2012
Ed Koch: To the New York Times, calling for the murder of Jews by those capable of having their incitement taken seriously isn't news
Jeannine Stein: Mental illness struck one in five U.S. adults in 2010: Report
January 25, 2012
Richard Simon: House passes two bills endorsing the use of religious symbols at military memorials
Fred Weir: Putin: Multiethnic Russia cannot survive as a US-style 'melting pot'; must find its own way
Susan Johnston: 5 Sneaky Coupon Strategies Consumers Should Watch Out For
January 24, 2012
Carol Clark: The price of your soul: How your brain decides whether to 'sell out'
Caroline B. Glick: America lost most in 'Arab Spring'. Sadly, many voters still don't grasp the extent
Warren Richey: Drug criminal scores win in GPS ruling from conservative-leaning high court
Erika Bolstad: Black conservatives gather to talk about gaining strength
January 23, 2012
Melissa Dribben: Jewish voters to play a key role in Florida's Republican primary
Jordan Rau: In quest to grow, Catholic hospital system will announce this morning its break from church
Ali Safi: U.S. envoy gives Taliban terms for peace talks
January 19, 2012
January 18, 2012
January 17, 2012
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: No-kidding red lines: U.S. response to an Iranian nuke may be bluster, but Israel's won't be
David G. Savage: They sued their principals after slandering them online --- now the cases are headed to the Supreme Court
David Francis: Where to Invest in 2012: With stocks expected to rebound, opportunity abounds for investors
January 13, 2012
Ben Lynfield: Israeli lawmakers move to annex Jewish Judea, one museum at a time
Alexia Elejalde-Ruiz: Thriving through touch: Gentle massage helps older people with low mobility improve in mind and body
January 12, 2012
Warren Richey: Landmark Supreme Court ruling a 'resounding win' for religious groups
Warren Richey: Supreme Court says no to new rule on eyewitness testimony
John Fauber : Statins found to raise diabetes risk in postmenopausal women
Katy Hopkins : Consider This Before You Pay for an Online Degree
The Kosher Gourmet by Joseph Erdos: This mushroom and barley soup has an intense -- almost nutty -- flavor that mixes robust with Middle East. It has creaminess without cream
January 11, 2012
Shari Roan: Millions of atrial fibrillation sufferers at risk for devastating, but preventable, stroke
Tom Hussain: Pakistan -- recipient of more than $21 billion in civilian and military aid -- speeds pursuit of Iranian pipeline, defying US
David G. Savage: High court signals it won't be loosening TV's 'indecency' rules
Stephen Ceasar: Oklahoma's Islamic law amendment can't go into effect, court rules
January 10, 2012
Reza Kahlili: From an ex-CIA spy: US must exploit new split in Iran's Revolutionary Guard
Karen Kaplan: Study: Nicotine replacement products ineffective when used in real-life situations
January 9, 2012
Michael Doyle: Put through legal hell over dream home, couple fought back hard --- all the way to Supreme Court
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Jewish World Review
Nov. 20, 2006
/ 29 Mar-Cheshvan, 5767
Enroll in Part D now
By
Jan L. Warner & Jan Collins
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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com |
TO OUR READERS: The holidays are coming, but the Open Enrollment Period (a.k.a. the Annual Election Period) for seniors covered under the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Plan also known as Part D is already here.
Extending from only Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, the brief enrollment period gives seniors a small window of opportunity to join a plan, switch from one plan to another or drop their plans. No matter the choice, once done, no changes can be made until the next enrollment period a year from now.
According to the National Mental Health Association (NMHA), as the controversial Medicare Drug Benefit Plan prepares to observe its first anniversary, "many changes have been made affecting the treatments beneficiaries can access, cost-sharing, and other policies."
We'd like to remind seniors, their families and their caregivers about the Dec. 31 deadline and to recap how seniors can ensure they are enrolled in the plan that best suits their needs. New coverage takes effect Jan. 1, 2007.
First of all, if you are satisfied with your current prescription drug plan (PDP) and decide it will meet your needs in the coming year, there is no need to re-enroll, and your coverage will continue without interruption. However, seniors should still compare the costs and benefits of other plans in their area, because there may be more options that cost less and offer additional coverage.
It is also important to review your plan annually because, each year, details about your PDP may change including what drugs are covered. "What may have been a good plan for someone in 2006 could be entirely different in 2007," says NMHA president and CEO David Shern. "It's important that (Medicare) beneficiaries educate themselves about all their options by choosing the plan they determine best matches their needs."
If you are not happy with your current coverage or decide that your plan won't meet your needs in 2007, compare the costs and formularies (i.e., the list of covered prescription drugs) of PDPs in your area. After you determine which plan is best for you, you can enroll in that plan by going to www.medicare.gov, calling 1-800-MEDICARE or contacting the PDP directly.
Here are some important questions to ask that will help you determine whether your plan will meet your needs in the coming year, says NMHA:
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Will my deductible, premium or copayments increase?
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Will all my prescriptions still be covered?
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Will there be new restrictions (prior authorization, step-therapy, etc.) on my prescriptions?
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Will my pharmacy still be in the plan network?
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Have I been happy with the plan's customer service?
After answering these questions, you may decide to switch to another PDP. Remember: You must do so by Dec. 31, but be sure not to drop your current PDP until you identify your new plan.
Other important details:
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If you can't afford your plan's out-of-pocket costs, you can apply for Extra Help, also known as low-income subsidy (LIS). If you qualify, the government will pay many of the costs of the Part D program, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments. To determine your eligibility and to apply online for Extra Help, visit www.benefitscheckup.org. To apply by phone, to request a paper application or to make an appointment at your local Social Security office, call 800-772-1213. There are a variety of other state, community and private assistance programs that may offer financial help when paying out-of-pocket costs for your prescription drugs. The Web site just mentioned can provide more information on these resources, as can your local Social Security office.
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Experts say it is best to enroll in any new plan by Dec. 8 so you can have your prescription drug card and get the prescriptions you need on Jan. 1.
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If your income level has changed and/or you no longer qualify for Medicare and Medicaid, belong to a Medicare Savings program or receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you may not qualify automatically for Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. You may have to enroll in a new plan.
If you think all of this is incredibly complex, you're right. Perhaps the new Congress that convenes in January will consider some needed changes their defeated counterparts have ignored. For more information about this topic, go to the NMHA Web site at www.nmha.org/medicare.
Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.
JAN L. WARNER received his A.B. and J.D. degrees from the University of South Carolina and earned a Master of Legal Letters (L.L.M.) in Taxation from the Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a frequent lecturer at legal education and public information programs throughout the United States. His articles have been published in national and state legal publications. Jan Collins began co-authoring Flying SoloŽ in 1989. She has more than 27 years of experience as a journalist, writer, and editor. To comment or ask a question, please click here.
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