Temple University Coverage
Q. What prescription coverage do I have now?
A. You are currently covered under Temple University’s prescription drug coverage with CareMark. You pay no monthly premium for this coverage, and there are no deductibles. You pay 20% of the cost for brand name prescriptions and 10% of the cost for generics. The plan also offers mail order prescriptions, which deliver a 90-day supply and the convenience of home delivery.
Q. Is my current prescription coverage at least as good as a Medicare prescription drug plan?
A. Yes, your current Temple University prescription drug coverage is on average at least as good as the standard Medicare Part D plan. That means that it is “creditable.”
Q. Will my Temple University prescription coverage change when Medicare prescription drug plans become available in 2006?
A. No. Simply do nothing and your current Temple coverage will continue in 2006.
Q. How will my coverage work with Medicare prescription plans? Will it be a supplement to a Medicare prescription plan or will it take the place of a Medicare prescription plan?
A. Your current coverage takes the place of a Medicare prescription drug plan. Anyone who enrolls in both Temple’s plan and a Medicare prescription drug plan will be terminated from Temple’s prescription coverage. You cannot be covered by both a Medicare Part D plan and Temple’s prescription coverage.
Q. If I choose to drop my Temple coverage, can I re-enroll sometime in the future?
A. If you drop your Temple prescription coverage to join a Medicare Part D plan, you may re-enroll, if you follow these steps:
- Complete and send the Notice to Cancel Temple University Prescription Coverage form when you join a Medicare Part D plan. This form is included in this mailing, and
- Provide the Temple Benefits Office written evidence that you have cancelled your Medicare Part D coverage. Send this information to:
Temple University
Benefits Office - Medicare Part D
1601 N. Broad Street -USB 608
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Your Temple University prescription coverage will restart on the first of the month following receipt of your written evidence.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and Late Enrollment Penalties
Q. I’ve heard that if I don’t sign up for a Medicare prescription drug plan right away, I’ll have to pay a premium penalty later. Is this true? Do I need to sign up now?
A. The penalty only applies if you do not maintain creditable coverage, which means that your coverage is at least as good as the standard Medicare Part D prescription plan. Because Temple’s coverage meets this requirement, there will be no penalty as long as you’re covered.
If you choose to drop it later and enroll in a Medicare prescription plan in the future, you will not be subject to the premium penalty, as long as you enroll within 63 days after dropping Temple coverage. Simply keep a copy of the Notice of Creditable Coverage, which will be included in the next mailing.
People with Limited Income and Resources
Q. I received an application from the Social Security Administration to people with limited income and resources. The information says that I may be eligible for extra help to pay for a Medicare prescription plan. Should I apply?
A. You must apply to be considered for extra help from the government. If you are approved, depending on your personal situation, you may be better off dropping your current Temple prescription coverage and enrolling in a Medicare prescription plan. If you are approved, read your “Medicare & You 2006” handbook. You also can call 1-800-MEDICARE, to understand your benefits under a Medicare prescription plan. If you are not approved, you do not need to sign up for a Medicare prescription plan. You will still be eligible to continue your Temple coverage.