Attention, Medicare beneficiaries: if you are enrolled in Part D prescription drug coverage, be on the lookout for letters from your plan in the mail this month!

Beginning Oct. 1, various notices will be sent regarding low-income subsidy (LIS), plan marketing and termination and plan annual notice of change (ANOC).  These materials will affect the majority of beneficiaries enrolled in Part D.

Companies that sponsor plans will begin mailing marketing and promotion material then and you can be sure whether or not you are enrolled in Part D, you will receive these mailings. 

Termination of plan letters should be received by Oct. 2. If you're informed your plan is being dropped, you will need to find a new plan.

Participants will get their plan’s ANOC by Oct. 31. ANOCs explain any changes in costs and/or benefits to your plan.  Review your plan and make sure it is still the best option if this is the case.

LIS enrollees may receive any of five letters, which were sent out beginning at the end of August. Those who automatically qualify or have applied and been accepted for extra help could be informed that you:

1. Are being reviewed to see if you qualify for 2008. What to do: Return within 30 days or extra help may cease.

2. No longer automatically qualify for extra help (you may still be eligible). What to do: Apply for extra help.

3. Qualify for extra help in 2008, but co-pays will change. What to do: Keep the notice.

4.  Must enroll in a new plan or will be auto-enrolled because your plan is no longer in program. What to do: Make change by Dec. 31 and keep the notice.

5. Were enrolled in a plan by Medicare that is above LIS subsidy amounts in 2008 and must enroll in a new plan or will be auto-enrolled by Medicare. What to do: Make change by Dec. 31 and keep the notice.

To apply for extra help, enrollees must meet income and asset guidelines. Maximum income for a single person per month in 2008 is $1,276 and $1,711 for a couple. However, if your income is higher, you can still receive extra help if you live with dependents. Asset guidelines are defined as $11,700 for a single, $23,410 for a couple, but do not include the home you live in and one car. If you think you may qualify for extra help or need to evaluate new plans, call the Health Plan Information Center at 651/783-5045 or 800/783-5045.