Information Sources 2006 Medicare Medical Benefit & Prescription Drug Plan Options

The 2006 Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) replaces Parts A & B and expands medical benefit coverages along with new Part D Prescription Drug coverages. Below is a list of resources to help you make an informed decision for 2006.

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Click here to find more Medicare Plan Options Accepted by Santa Cruz Medical Foundation.

2006 Medicare options

Call 1-800-MEDICARE

Or Call the Santa Cruz HICAP Counseling Office at (831)462-5510

Visit www.medicare.gov or www.calmedicare.org/counceling/santacruz.html

Medicare Handbook

Clear & comprehensive handbook "Medicare & You 2006" at www.medicare.gov/publ ications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf

Medicare's only HMO Option in Santa Cruz County (Part C)

Clear Secure Horizons Customer Service at either (800)698-7505 or (800)228-2144

Visit www.calmedicare.org/hmos/index.html

Low Income Medicare patient options

Visit www.calmedicare.org/lowincome/index.html

Patients with both Medicare and Medi-Cal coverages

Visit www.calmedicare.org/changes/partd both.html

Medicare Prescription Drug Program (the new Part D Benefits for 2006)

Visit www.calmedicare.org/changes/partd.html

To read about the Part D Drug Program in the CMS publication, "Medicare & You 2006" visit www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf and on the Sutter Health web site at www.sutterhealth.org/md_partd.html

Drug Formularies

To find out if your prescription drugs are covered under the Drug Formularies available under the specific Medicare Plan Option that you are considering, visit www.plancompare.medicare.gov/formularyfinder/selectState_Inter.asp?vid=4799341&plan_specific=False &language=English Follow prompts and type in your prescription drugs to see if the Plan you are considering lists your drugs in the formulary. You will also see data on prior authorization requirements and drug co-payment information.

Medicare Private Fee for Service (PFFS) Plan options available in Santa Cruz County

Call the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at (800)434-0222

Visit the Medicare Personal Plan Finder and select medicare Advantage Plan at Plan Finder

Your PAMF Physician is not trained in all the details of the many 2006 Medicare Plan Options. As a result, your doctor is not the best resource to make this important decision. We strongly encourage you to use these resources and ask your family members to assist you to get the information you need to make the best choice that fits your needs.