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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

Summary

The answers to the following questions are in the other sections of this article:

How Do I Buy Drugs?

Present your prescription drug card when you purchase a drug at a pharmacy, or give the number to the company when ordering by mail.

Keep in mind that drugs purchased outside of the United States are not covered and do not count with respect to drug coverage benchmarks such as the beginning of the catastrophic limit.

What About My Spouse?

Medicare drug coverage is individual. Each of you purchase the coverage separately. Your drug expenses are also calculated separately.

The only time a spouse enters the picture with respect to Medicare Part D is:

  • If you have drug coverage equivalent to Part D through a spouse's coverage.
  • You have limited income and assets and apply for assistance paying for drugs.

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If You Have More Than One Residence

Most regional Medicare plans only cover drug purchases made in the region.

Look for a national plan that covers you in each place in which you live.

What If I Am Out Of State And Need To Refill A Prescription?

Check to see if one of your network pharmacies is a national chain.

If not, you can get medicine from an out-of-network pharmacy in emergency situations. Get a receipt and submit it for reimbursement.

What If I Am In A Nursing Home?

If you are in a nursing home:

  • If you receive Medicaid assistance for the nursing home, you automatically qualify for the Extra Help program to pay premiums.
  • If you don't receive Medicaid: you can select a Medicare private drug plan that works with your nursing home.

In any event, look for a plan in which the pharmacy used by the nursing home is in the plan you choose.

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More Information

Medicaid