When the Medicare prescription drug advantage starts in 2006, it will offer the most assist to those with the best medical and monetary requirement. Over 14 million Medicare beneficiaries-those with the most minimal earnings and properties -can get substantial monetary aid from the federal government to spend for their medications.
The 6.4 million recipients who have both Medicaid and Medicare have their prescription requires covered presently by Medicaid. In 2006, they will be instantly relocated to Medicare for their prescription protection.
While those with minimal resources have their medical requirements covered by Medicaid, much of the staying 8 million low-income recipients (those with earnings listed below $14,355/ private or $19,245/ couple) lack prescription drug insurance coverage. The Medicare drug advantage and the monetary “additional assistance” are anticipated to be a big relief for these recipients. With the “additional assistance,” they will have little or no deductibles and premiums, in addition to very little co-payments for their medications.
The monetary requirement for these 8 million low-income Medicare recipients is plainly obvious, however what might be less apparent is the medical requirement they deal with. They are most likely to struggle with persistent conditions such as diabetes or heart problem than those with greater earnings, and they are most likely to have more than one persistent condition. With this medical concern, access to prescription medications can make a genuine distinction in their health.