I am a resident of Alaska and I have Medicare. What does Original Medicare pay for?


The Medicare Rights Center has created a chart that outlines all of your out of pocket costs under Original Medicare. These are your costs if you only have Original Medicare and if you have not purchased a Medicare plus Choice plan or a Medigap.

The Medicare Coverage Database tool will tell you if Medicare will cover particular health services. Simply choose your state, then choose the health service you are researching.

I can't afford to pay all of those out of pocket costs. What are my options for getting additional coverage?

There are 10 federally standardized Medigap insurance plans, plans A-J. This chart shows the standardized benefits you get with each "letter" plan.

2004 Medicare Supplement Insurance Rate Guide (pdf) (30 pages) This guide provides a comprehensive listing of health insurance companies and a guide to Medigap coverage and rates.

I can't afford the monthly premium for the Medigap. Are there other options for assistance with my prescription drug costs?

Seniors who qualify for the SeniorCare Prescription Drug Benefit are eligible for a prescription drug subsidy of $1,600 or $1,000 a year (prorated). You can access information and an application form for SeniorCare.

Isn't the Medicare Reform Bill going to help me pay for my prescription drugs?

Starting in 2004, Medicare-approved drug discount cards will be available for immediate savings on prescription drugs. Medicare will contract with private companies to offer new, voluntary drug discount cards. A Medicare-approved drug discount card offers a discount off the full retail price of prescriptions. Savings are estimated to be 10-25% on many drugs. These voluntary cards are being offered until December 31, 2005, when this program ends and the new comprehensive prescription drug benefit begins. Please access this site to find out if you qualify for the card or for the $600 credi

The Medicare Rights Center answers all of your questions about the new Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Cards.

This chart created by the Medicare Rights Center offers information provided by the companies in December 2001. Before joining, call for updated information and carefully review all enrollment materials.

What will my prescription drug costs be after 2006?

The New Medicare Drug Benefit: How Much Will You Pay? Families USA estimates what you'll pay for prescription drugs under the new benefit.

Assistance for Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries

The SeniorCare Senior Information Office, which is a one-stop resource and referral for benefits and services for seniors in the State of Alaska, provides a statewide toll-free telephone number for information on services available to seniors, including an up-to-date directory of local physicians who accept Medicaid and Medicare clients, available programs and services including SeniorCare, prescription drug program and assistance with Medicare costs for low-income seniors. This site provides information on SeniorCare, the Senior Assistance Program, and provides an application form. Call (907) 269-3680 for more information.

Senior & Disability Services is the state agency handling senior issues and provides numerous programs for the senior and disabled in Alaska .