Getting Medicare Soon

[Cavman]

I`m getting medicare the first of the month and don`t understand the part about selecting a plan. Can you help me out?

Cavman

[Chuck75]

Carvedilol 6.25 MG Tab NDC#00007414020 from Carl Vinson VAMC Dublin GA My non VA Cardiologist writes the prescription, and the local VA vet center OKs it. I've been taking it since 2001. Hardly a "new" drug.

I get my scrips from the VA also. Last year a local doctor put me on CARVEDILOL. I go to my VA doc and ask for it. She says "Sorry, it's not on the VA list." I go down to the VA pharmacy and ask if there is a generic or equivalent to CARVEDILOL and if so, I'll ask my doc to put me on that because CARVEDILOL cost me over $200 for a month's supply (no insurance). They said no because it's a new drug BUT they have it. The prescription has to be written by the VA Cardiologist, it's on their list of drugs but not my VA Primary Care doctor's list. Go figure.

Edited September 10, 2007 by Chuck75

[Pete53]

Old Hippie:

You are right some medicine at VA is restricted to just one or two Doctors to write.

[john999]

You know part A is free and part B you have to pay for usually unless you have a plan that does not require it or refunds your part B. Regular medicare is accepted by almost every doctor or hospital whereas some of the plans are not accepted. Then there are the medigap policies you may want to choose from A to Z.

[john999]

Cavman

You don't have to take any plan except to decide on if you are going to sign up for Part B. Just about every doctor will take regular medicare. You don't have to decide on Part D because VA is considered an equal alternative. I took Part B because I have doctors outside the VA I use.

[SeattleShay]

Me too, in May.

Have been checking plans and some include drugs without having to take Part D.

Sure is confusing.

[Pete53]

I am on Medicare Pat A&B and also Secure Horizons Medicare HMO now AARP Medicare HMO.

It has 5 buck copay to see my Doc and 25 for specialist. 100 for Hospital and the regular Part D for Prescriptions. I figure I pay about a 25% copay till I hit the donut. But I will never do that cause I primarily use VA for Meds.

Sept 2006 I had a stent put in and overnight in Hospital for 100 bucks. I am very happy with it.