RELEASE: Monday, October 6, 2008
BY: Larry Grimaldi, Chief of Information & Public Relations
RIPAE MEMBERS REQUIRED TO PICK A PART D PLAN
CRANSTON --- Effective January 1, 2009, all members of the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly (RIPAE) program must join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D) in order to participate in the RIPAE program.
RIPAE is the state's drug assistance plan for seniors 65 and older and adults with disabilities age 55 to 64.
"We will be sending letters to approximately 2,200 persons on RIPAE who do not have a Part D plan. The remaining 17,000 RIPAE enrollees already have a Part D plan," noted Corinne Calise Russo, Director of the State Department of Elderly Affairs.
"Joining a Part D plan will further reduce participants' drug costs since RIPAE can be used to help pay for Part D drugs in the deductible and coverage gap phases of their plan," stated Russo.
By January 1, current RIPAE members must present proof of Part D membership by providing a photocopy of the Part D enrollment card or a photocopy of their letter of confirmation in a Part D plan to DEA. The address is Department of Elderly Affairs, RIPAE Program Manager, John O. Pastore Center, 74 West Road-2nd Floor, Hazard Building, Cranston, RI 02920
New participants shall now be required to produce proof of a Part D plan before they can join RIPAE. Persons who do not join a Medicare Part D plan by December 31, 2008 will no longer be able to participate in RIPAE. Members are urged to forward their Plan D verification by December 15, 2008 of this year so that there will no break in their RIPAE coverage.
This new RIPAE rule is meant to coincide with the annual enrollment period for joining Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D plans. The annual enrollment period begins on November 15, 2008 and runs through December 31, 2008.
The Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly (RIPAE) program pays a portion of the cost of prescriptions used to treat Alzheimer's Disease, arthritis, diabetes (including insulin and syringes for insulin injections), heart problems, depression, anti-infectives, Parkinson's Disease, high blood pressure, cancer, urinary incontinence, circulatory insufficiency, high cholesterol, asthma and chronic respiratory conditions, osteoporosis, glaucoma and prescription vitamins and mineral supplements for renal patients for eligible Rhode Island residents 65 and older. RIPAE also offers limited coverage for the cost of injectible prescription drugs used to treat Multiple Sclerosis.
RIPAE participants are also required to purchase generic medications in cases where the generic equivalent of the name brand drug is available.
Individuals with an annual income up to $19,786 and married couples with a combined annual income up to $24,735 receive a 60% discount.
Individuals with an annual income up to $24,838 and married couples with a combined annual income up to $31,050 receive a 30% discount.
Individuals with an annual income up to $43,470 and married couples with a combined income not exceeding $49,680 receive a 15% discount.
Income guidelines increase each year in accordance with the Social Security Cost-Of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
RIPAE enrollees can purchase all other FDA-approved prescriptions (except for those used to treat cosmetic conditions) at a 15% discount.
Also under RIPAE, Rhode Island residents between 55 and 64 who are receiving Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) payments and who meet specified income limits, can purchase medications (except those prescribed for cosmetic conditions) at a 15% discount. The annual income limits for those receiving SSDI are $43,470 for a single person and $49,680 for a married couple. For RIPAE information, call 462-3000 or THE POINT call resource center at 462-4444.
RHODE ISLAND PHARMACEUTICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE ELDERLY
(RIPAE) AND MEDICARE PART D PLANS
The RIPAE statute was recently changed to include some new requirements that may impact your ability to remain eligible for the RIPAE program. Below are some questions and answers that may help you understand the new RIPAE program requirements.
Q. I am currently on RIPAE. Do I have to join a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Medicare Part D)?
A. Yes. Effective January 1, 2009, all RIPAE members must be enrolled in a Medicare Part D Plan.
Q. What If I do not join a Medicare Part D Plan?
A. You will no longer be able to participate in the RIPAE program.
Q. What if I have creditable coverage instead of a Medicare Part D Plan in addition to RIPAE?
A. You will no longer be able to participate in the RIPAE program. The law specifically requires Part D membership.
Q. What if I am receiving Veterans Benefits for prescriptions and am on RIPAE?
A. You will no longer be able to participate in the RIPAE program. The law specifically requires Part D membership.
Q. How can I prove that I have a Medicare Part D Plan?
A. You will be required to provide a photocopy of your Medicare Part D Plan card or a photocopy of your Medicare Plan D enrollment letter.
Q.What is the deadline for sending in proof of my Part D Plan?
A. Proof must be sent to: RI Department of Elderly Affairs, RIPAE Program Manager, John O. Pastore Center, 74 West Road-2nd Floor, Hazard Building, Cranston, RI 02920 by December 31, 2008 to ensure that there is no break in your RIPAE coverage. It is strongly suggested that you submit your proof of Part D coverage by December 15, 2008.
Q. When can I enroll in a Part D Plan?
A. The annual open enrollment for joining a Medicare Part D Plan runs from November 15 through December 31.
Q. Who can I call for more information?
A.Call THE POINT resource center at 462-4444.
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