Medicare Part D - Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Under the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA), Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for prescription drug coverage offered by private companies that are contracted with Medicare to provide such coverage. Beneficiaries that enroll in a prescription drug plan are required to pay a monthly premium and also pay a share of the cost of prescription drugs. Costs, prescription drugs covered (i.e., formulary), deductible, and what pharmacies can be used vary by prescription drug plan. However, all prescription drug plans must provide a level of coverage specified by Medicare under Federal law. It is important to study the costs and benefits of the various plans available in Alaska before purchasing a plan. Information about the prescription drug plans available in Alaska can be obtained from the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov or at 1-800-Medicare.

The SeniorCare Senior Information Office in the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services provides information and assistance to seniors in the State of Alaska. SeniorCare/Medicare can be contacted by telephone at (907) 269-3680 or 1-800-478-6065 (toll-free in Alaska only). In addition, trained Medicare Volunteer Counselors are available in many Alaska communities. Telephone contact numbers and e‑mail addresses for trained Medicare Volunteer Counselors can be obtained from the SeniorCare website at http://www.hss.state.ak.us/dsds/medicare.htm. The SeniorCare Senior Information Office may also be reached by mail at SeniorCare/Medicare Information and Referral Office, 3601 C Street, Suite 310, Anchorage, Alaska 99503-5984.