Medicare for Alaska Residents
If you are a resident of the beautiful state of Alaska, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans and Medicare Health Plans may available to you. The Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are generally offered by insurance companies and private insurance groups that have been previously approved by Medicare. Generally, they add coverage to one of four Medicare options, whether it's an original Medicare Plan (which provides basic, hospital coverage), Medicare Cost Plans (these plans, known as "Part B" cover in-home care, wheelchairs and more), a limited number of Medicare fee for service plans (providing some of the most comprehensive coverage, but at a higher cost), or even a Medicare Medical Saving Account Plan (where costs are controlled and assumed fully by you.You will pay less for your prescriptions with a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan. You'll still need to check the prescription you will need and compare it to the Medicare "formulary" (a list of covered drugs available from your plan's administrator). You will then need to enroll for the Medicare Prescription Plan. Once you have enrolled you will receive a member card, you can take your member card to the drug store where you fill your prescription; they will let you know how much of a co-payment or deductible amount is required.
Some of the plans available in Alaska include Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare Advantage Plans include Health Maintenance Organization Plans, Preferred Provider Plans, Private Fee for Service Plans, Medicare Medical Savings Account Plans, and Medicare Special Needs Plans. You can get most of your expenses covered through these plans, and you may have optional vision, dental, or hearing coverage. You may have to pay a deductible or co-payment fee, but that depends largely on the types of care that you require. You may want to check with your provider to verify what services are covered and those that are not covered. Other Medicare plans include Medicare cost plans, demonstration or pilot program plans, and Programs for All-inclusive care for the elderly.
*You may be able to get extra help to pay for your prescription drug premiums and costs. To see if you qualify for getting extra help, call:
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY/TDD users should call 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day/7 days a week;
OR
- The Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-800-325-0778; or Your State Medicaid Office.