Ready and Waiting

Posted May 15, 2006 by Christina Mancing

Updated May 15, 2006 at 05:22 PM

The University Area Health Center has three people available to enroll people for Medicare drug program, and as of 1 p.m., there was no one waiting. If you can get there by 2:00 p.m., you will not wait. Below is the address and phone number for the center.

University-Area Health Center
13601 N. 22nd. St.
Tampa, FL 33613
(813) 307-8015
Sponsor: Elder Care Advocacy of Florida

- Carol Gentry

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Eligibility Criteria

Posted May 15, 2006 by Vidisha Priyanka

Updated May 15, 2006 at 12:10 PM

Those eligible for Part D coverage must be at least 65 years old or have a qualified disability. The deadline does not apply to beneficiaries who have less than $15,000 in income or less than $11,500 in assets, not including their homes.

Uncertain whether to enroll? An independent study last week by Lewin Group said those spending at least $381 a year on medications would save by enrolling in a plan. Those who spend less may want to enroll in an inexpensive plan to guard against future illness.

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Prescription Plan Deadline Tonight

Posted May 15, 2006 by Vidisha Priyanka

Updated May 15, 2006 at 11:23 AM

Midnight tonight is the deadline for Medicare beneficiaries to enroll this year in a prescription drug plan under the Medicare Part D benefit. After that, you must wait until next year and pay a late fee. United, Humana, WellCare and other drug-plan sponsors are taking calls until midnight. Mailed applications will be accepted if they are postmarked before midnight.

Internet

• www.medicare.gov

• www.CARxE.org

• www.MyMedicareMatters.org

• www.medicaretoday.org

Phone

•Medicare: 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227)

•Coalition to Advance Prescription Drug Education: 1-866-394-7700, 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

(Note: West Florida Agency on Aging’s Elder Helpline, 1-800-963-5337, says it cannot guarantee help to those who must enroll by midnight. It suggests calling 1-800-Medicare.)

Individual help:

HILLSBOROUGH:

10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

(Those there at 2 p.m. will be able to stay.)

University-Area Health Center

13601 N. 22nd St.

Tampa FL 33613

(813) 307-8015

Sponsor: Elder Care Advocacy of Florida

PINELLAS:

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kmart

7850 113th St.

Seminole FL 33772

(727) 391-0223

Sponsor: My Medicare Matters

(Note: An advertised event at Moffitt Cancer Center is overbooked; try another one. )

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