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ALS Association update.

Guide to the 2009 Medicare Rx Drug Benefit Open Enrollment
November 15 - December 31, 2008

As the annual open enrollment period for the Medicare prescription drug benefit takes place (November 15 to December 31, 2008), The ALS Association's Advocacy Department is once again pleased to provide a Guide to assist PALS, families and Chapters as they review options for 2009. The Guide is available by clicking here and will soon be posted on The Association's website at www.alsa.org/policy/medicare.cfm.

During the open enrollment period, those currently enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan have an opportunity to switch plans, or they can remain in their current plan. Those who did not enroll in the benefit when they first became eligible for Medicare also may enroll at this time, although these individuals may be subject to a late enrollment penalty.

It is important that PALS who have enrolled in the Medicare drug benefit take the time to review their prescription drug plan options, even if they are satisfied with their current plan.

Many plans have made important changes to their benefits for the upcoming year, including changes to monthly premiums, the drugs that are covered or included on the plan formulary, the costs of drugs, coverage in the “donut hole” and other policies that impact access to particular drugs. In addition, new plans with different options are now available in many areas of the country.

Therefore, your current plan may or may not be the best plan for you, so we encourage you to take the time to review your options and find the plan in your area that best meets your needs. And as you review your plan options, we strongly recommend that you evaluate plans taking into account a range of factors, such as coverage policies and your drug needs in addition to monthly premiums.

As we have done every year since the drug benefit was implemented, The ALS Association's Advocacy Department is providing helpful information, including tips and tools, which you can use in selecting a Medicare prescription drug plan. This information includes:

Rilutek Coverage
Costs, Coverage & Choices
Choosing a Prescription Drug Plan
Extra Help is Available
14 Questions and Answers about Open Enrollment
Information to Have and Questions to Ask
Report Problems and Successes
Importantly, ALS Association Chapters as well as caregivers and families also can use this information to assist PALS in choosing and enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan. These resources will allow people to compare their current plan with other plans and to identify a plan that covers specific drugs, like Rilutek, that are needed by people with ALS. They also include tips on questions to ask when selecting a plan, as well as answers to many of the questions you may have about this year’s open enrollment.

If you have any questions about this information or the Medicare prescription drug benefit, please contact the Advocacy Department at advocacy@alsa-national.org or toll-free at 1-877-444-ALSA.