The Information Memorandum
November 2008
Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs
John O. Pastore Center
Hazard Building
74 West Road, Cranston, RI 02920
462-3000
The Point: 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.
SENIOR JOURNAL:
The Senior Journal cable television program is devoted to exploring the issues of growing older in Rhode Island through the personal perspectives of seniors.
Programs are produced by senior volunteers and are sponsored by the Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA) with the support of COX Communications. Programs are aired on Sundays at 5:00 p.m., Mondays at 7:00 p.m., and Tuesdays at 11:30 a.m. over statewide Cox Communications channel 13 and Verizon channel 32.
From October 1 to October 7, The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) and the Senior Medicare Patrol Program (SMP) will air. Libby Arron of Cranston interviews Maria Sansiveri, Health Promotion Coordinator for DEA, Ana Hanley, Customer Information Specialist for DEA and Charlotte Becher, Manager of The Point Resource Center.
From October 12 to 21, Volunteer Center of Rhode Island will air. Arron interviews
Janice Pothier, PAC Executive Director, Bernie Boudreau, Executive Director of the RI Service
Alliance and Jack Galligan, RSVP volunteer.
From October 26 to November 4, Johnston Senior Center will be broadcast. Arron
interviews Tony Zompa, Executive Director and Heidi Ross, Social Services Director for the
Johnston Senior Center.
For information or if you want to join the Senior Journal crew, contact Larry Grimaldi at 462-0509 or e-mail larry@dea.state.ri.us
IDENTIFCATION CARDS AND BUS PASSES:
Q. I am 66 years old and am receiving a small pension and Social Security. Am I eligible to get a "No Fare" RIPTA bus pass at the Department of Elderly Affairs (DEA)?
A. DEA does not process RIPTA bus passes for seniors, adults with disabilities and Medicaid recipients.
In an agreement with RIPTA, however, DEA verifies income for individuals who are looking to obtain a "No Fare" bus pass. Currently, these income guidelines are $19,785 for a single person and $24,735 for a married couple. Medicaid recipients need only show a valid Medicaid card.
If an individual is determined to be income-eligible for RIPTA's "No Fare" bus pass, they will receive documentation from DEA. This documentation must be presented to RIPTA in order to be issued a "No Fare" bus pass.
RIPTA is located in Kennedy Plaza in Providence. RIPTA issues "No Fare" bus passes Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. The office is closed on Fridays.
DEA is located at 74 West Road, Cranston (second floor) in the Pastore Center, Cranston. The hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
For more information, contact RIPTA at 784-9500.
OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR PART D:
This year it is especially important, now and throughout the upcoming open enrollment period, for beneficiaries to use our online tools to compare their current drug and health plan coverage to the options available for 2009 and take action to choose a plan that best meets their needs," said CMS Acting Administrator Kerry Weems.
"Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes, such as reduced coverage in the gap, if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009. Yet, almost 97 percent of beneficiaries enrolled in a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) will have access to Medicare drug and health plans in 2009 whose premiums would be the same or less than their coverage in 2008."
The 2009 Plan Finder allows beneficiaries to compare prescription drug coverage from both stand-alone Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans that provide prescription drug coverage (MA-PD plans) and to view premiums, formularies, and availability of coverage in the gap. Additionally, the 2009 Medicare Options Compare
tool allows beneficiaries to compare Medicare health plan options, such as HMOs and PPOs.
LIVE AND LEARN PROGRAM:
The Department of Elderly Affairs was notified that the "Live and Learn" Program was approved for federal innovation grant money from the Administration on Aging.
"Live and Learn developed a partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, Rhode Island Chapter, is a program for individuals with early stage memory loss. The program offers meaningful activities for individuals experiencing early memory loss and much needed respite for their caregivers.
"Last year, more than 30 individuals in our pilot program were able to participate in small group activities at the Kent County or Mount Hope YMCA and at the Warwick Public Library," said Corinne Calise Russo, Director of the Department of Elderly Affairs, "With the new federal grant award, we can expand the programs into new communities, increase the number of individuals who participate, and offer the program in new venues."
Individuals participating in the "Live and Learn" Program choose from a variety of structures activities such as exercise programs through the YMCAs, guest speakers at public libraries, craft programs and a pet therapy program. In addition to offering four to eight hours per week for individuals, "Live and Learn" provides four to eight hours of much needed respite to the caregivers. "The goal here is for individuals with early stage memory loss to maintain their level of functioning and engagement with the community," said Liz Morancy, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association, Rhode Island Chapter. "The social interaction and support has proven to be of great value to the individuals in the program."
Rhode Island is one of 22 states that have awarded funding through the 2008 Innovative grant through the Alzheimer's Demonstration Program.
Currently, there are 25,000 Rhode Islanders diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. The current trend towards early detection and the continued use of medication to slow down the progression are allowing persons to remain in the early stages of the disease for a longer period of time.
CONVERTERS FOR DIGITAL TV RECEPTION:
Only a few months are left for seniors to convert their television signal from the current analog signal to digital broadcasting. On February 17, 2009, all television signals will be switched to a digital broadcast signal. Beginning February 18, 2009, if you have a television set that receives its over-the-air programming with antennas, you will no longer get a picture. These sets will require a conversion box to pick up a television signal. Time is running out for more than 15,000 seniors who have not yet converted their television sets. Television sets that are hooked into a cable or satellite broadcasting system will not need a converter box.
Why the switch? Under a law passed by Congress in 2005, all free local broadcasters are required to turn off their analog channels and broadcast exclusively in the digital format. February 17, 2009 is D-Day.
What is Digital Television (DTV) anyway? DTV is a new type of broadcasting that produces a dramatically clearer picture and sound. DTV can also offer multiple program choices and better service such as significantly enhanced closed captioning. DTV will also enable broadcasters to provide several channels of programs at once (multicasting) and will free up the traditional analog channels to be used for public safety uses by police and fire services.
As part of the switch to the digital system, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration is making $40 coupons available to persons who will need them.
The converter boxes are expected to cost between $50 and $70 each and will be available at most of the nation's major electronics stores. More than 33 million coupons are being made available to the general public. Two coupons per household have been allocated for the switch.
Seniors and persons in any age group that need converter coupons can obtain them in several ways.
If they have a computer, they can apply for the coupon applications online by logging on to www.dtv2009.gov.
The converter program also has a 24-hour hot line to request the coupon applications. The numbers are 1-888-DTV 2009 (1-888-388-2009-Voice) or 1-877-530-2634 TTY.
* Consumers can mail in their coupon application to P.O Box 2000, Portland, OR 97208-2000.
* Consumers can also FAX coupon applications to 1-877-DTV-4ME2 (1-877-388-4632).
* According to the Neilsen Corporation, approximately 14.3 million of 113 million television sets will need a converter box.
RIPAE NEWS:
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 their 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 the ages of 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.
Elderly Transportation Co-Share to Takes Effect October 1, 2008
Effective October 1, 2008, elders using RIde transportation services will pay $2.00 for a one way ride. The $2.00 fee, called a "co-share", will be paid when boarding the bus.
Q: Will all elders have to pay the $2.00 transportation co-share?
A: No. The following elders do not have to pay for RIde transportation
services:
* Elders utilizing the service to travel to Adult Day Care
* Elders who are on Medicaid
Q: How do I pay the co-share for my ride?
A: You must pay in cash. Drivers are not able to make change. Please be prepared to pay the exact amount ($2 dollars in bills or coins for each one way ride).
Q: When do I pay the co-share for my ride?
A: You pay your $2.00 cost share when you board the bus. If you are making a round trip - for example, to the store and back - you will pay $2.00 when you board the bus at home and another $2.00 when you board the bus at the store to return home.
Q: How do I schedule transportation?
A: Rides must be scheduled at least 7 days prior to the day you will need transportation. To make a reservation, call RIde at 1-800-479-6902. If you are on Medicaid, you must tell the RIde customer service representative when you call to schedule your ride or you will have to pay the $2.00 co-share.
If you have additional questions about the Department of Elderly Affairs' transportation services, call DEA at 462-3000 or The Point at 462-4444. This is a toll-free call.
BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU WARNS SENIORS ABOUT
GRANDPARENTS TELEPHONE SCAM
CRANSTON --- The Better Business Bureau is warning senior citizens to be aware of an emerging telephone scam that is preying on grandparents nationwide. BBB has recently received reports about grandparents from California to New Hampshire who thought that they were aiding their grandchildren by providing money for an emergency situation, but were in fact giving thousands of dollars to Canadian con artists.
Generally, the scam works like this-the grandparent receives a distressed phone call from who they believe is their grandchild. The supposed grandchild typically explains that they are traveling in Canada and have been arrested or involved in an auto accident and need the grandparent to wire money to post bail or pay the damages-usually amounting to a few thousand dollars. While many seniors have reported the scam without falling prey to it, unfortunately many others have been victimized. One well-meaning grandmother sent $15,000 to the scammers, thinking that she was helping a grandchild who had been in an auto accident.
"This scam is just despicable because it preys on the emotions of seniors who want nothing more than to ensure the safety of their grandchildren," said Paula Fleming, BBB spokesperson. "The key to avoiding this scam is to remain calm despite the 'emergency nature' of the call and to verify the identity of the caller. Too often people are allowing themselves to get caught up in a false sense of urgency and they end up making emotional, instead of logical, decisions."
Given the sudden pervasiveness of the scam, several state Attorneys General have issued warnings. In addition, the Canadian anti-Fraud Call Center is reporting a significant increase in complaints for this scam. In 2007, the Center received 128 complaints about this type of scam; since the beginning of the year, nearly 350 complaints have been filed, and about half were filed in July and August alone.
Law enforcement officials have yet to determine how the perpetrators are obtaining phone numbers to so many senior citizens across the U.S.
However, is believed that scammers are most likely calling random numbers until they happen to reach a senior citizen. The scammers basic tactic is to pose as a grandchild and let the unsuspecting grandparents fill in the blanks. For example, the scammer might say, "It's me, your favorite grandchild," to which the grandparent will guess the name of the grandchild it sounds the most like, and then the call proceeds from there.
To protect themselves from this scam, and other scams that may use the "distressed loved one" tactic, BBB is advising seniors to confirm the status of the individual by calling them directly or verifying the story with other family members before taking any additional action.
BBB also advises that any request to wire money through Western Union or Moneygram should be seen as a "red flag" and should be an immediate tip-off that the call may be a part of the scam. Funds sent via wire transfer are hard to track, and once received by the scammers is usually not recoverable by law enforcement or banking officials.
For anyone victimized by this type of "distressed loved one," call, BBB recommends reporting the incident immediately to local police department and state Attorneys General offices. If there is a request to wire money to Canada, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Call Center has established the PhoneBusters hotline and web site to report such fraud. Reports can be easily filed through the PhoneBusters site at www.phonebusters.com or call toll-free at 1-888-495-8501.
Please remember to report the scam to your local police department and the RI Attorney General's Consumer Affairs Unit at 274-4400.
SOCIAL SECURITY CHANGES:
Monthly Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits for more that 55 million Americans will increase 5.8 percent in 2009. This is the largest increase since 1982. Social Security benefits increase automatically each year based on the rise in the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers. The 5.8 percent increase in Social Security will go into effect for Social Security benefits in January 2009. Increased payment for more than seven million Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries will begin on December 31, 2008. Based on the increase of average wages, the taxable minimum will increase to $106,800 from $102,000.
2009 STANDARD BENEFIT FOR MEDICARE PART D PLANS.
BENEFIT PARAMETERS |
2008 |
2009 |
Deductible: |
$275 |
$295 |
Initial Coverage Limit |
$2,510 |
$2,700 |
Out-of Pocket Threshold |
$4,050 |
$4,350 |
Total Covered Drug Spend at OOP Threshold |
$5726.25 |
$6135.75 |
Minimum Cost-Sharing in Catastrophic Coverage |
$2.25/$5.60 |
$2.40/$6.00 |
LIS COPAYMENTS |
|
|
Institutionalized |
$0 |
$0 |
Up to or at 100% FPL |
$1.05/$3.10 |
$1.10/$3.20 |
Other LIS |
$2.25/$5.60 |
$2.40/$6.00 |
Partial LIS/Cost Sharing |
$56/15% |
$60/15% |
MEDICARE FACTS-2009:
* 2009 Medicare Part B Premium: $96.40 per month (Same as 2008).
(Higher amounts are assessed for taxpayers who have an income greater than $85,000 for a single person and $170,000 for a married couple and taxpayers who file as married filing separately).
* Medicare Part B Deductible: $135 (Same as 2008).
* Part A Hospital Copayment: $1,068 (Days 1-60).
* Part A Hospital Copayment: $267 (Days 61-90).
* Part A Hospital Copayment: $534
* (Days 91 through 150 Lifetime Reserve Days in a benefit period).
* Nursing Home Copayment: No Copayment (Days 1-20)
* Nursing Home Copayment: $133.50 (Days 21 through 100).
* Purchasing Part A Coverage: $443 per month
(Fewer than 30 quarters of Medicare-covered employment).
* Purchasing Part A Coverage: $244 per month
(31 to 39 quarters of Medicare-covered employment).
| 
