Questions and answers for retired Wisconsin Public Employer (LOCAL) participants covered under the Group Health Insurance Program

What is Medicare Part D?

It is a new prescription drug benefit program created by the federal government. Voluntary enrollment in Medicare Part D coverage through approved prescription drug plans begins November 15, 2005, for coverage effective January 1, 2006.

I have prescription drug coverage through the Wisconsin Public Employers' group health insurance plan. How will this change affect me?

To ensure that local retirees participating in the group health insurance program continue to receive the same level of prescription drug benefits currently available, the Group Insurance Board contracted with DeanCare Rx, a Part D drug plan offered by Dean Health Insurance (formerly Premier Insurance), to provide the Medicare Part D benefit for you. DeanCare Rx will work with Navitus Health Solutions to coordinate your prescription drug benefit so it is virtually seamless and unchanged from your current benefit.

What needs to be done now as a result of the new Medicare Part D drug benefit? Should I enroll in Medicare Part D prescription drug plan?

You will need to complete a Medicare information form and submit it to DeanCare RX. Use the link at the bottom of this page entitled "Medicare Information Form (Response Needed)" if you do not have the form. After submitting the form, you will be able to maintain your current level of prescription drug coverage available through the group health insurance program. DeanCare RX will provide you with more information about the enrollment.

What if I choose a different Medicare Part D plan or don't enroll in DeanCare Rx?

If you choose to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan other than DeanCare Rx, Navitus will coordinate your benefits, but enrolling in a different Part D plan will cause more paperwork and potentially less coverage for you. You will have to submit your claims manually to Navitus for processing. If you do not enroll in any Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, then you will pay your copayments and coinsurance, plus any amount the Medicare Part D plan would have paid, had you enrolled. You may also be subject to a penalty from Medicare, should you decide to enroll at a later date.

Do I have to pay additional premium to DeanCare Rx for my Medicare Part D coverage?

No. To make it as seamless as possible for members, the health insurance premium collected by the Department of Employee Trust Funds or your former employer includes both medical and prescription drug coverage including Medicare Part D.

Where can I get more information about how my pharmacy benefits are affected by the Medicare Part D program?

Information is available in the 2006 It's Your Choice booklet, in the September edition of the It's Your Benefit Newsletter, and on the Department Web site, http://etf.wi.gov. The Department will also mail letters to Local retirees in late October explaining how pharmacy benefits are affected by Medicare Part D.

Other resources for you include the following:

• Medicare D Mailing -- Second Notice (December 6, 2005)
• Medicare D Mailing to Local Annuitants from Dean Health Insurance (November 11, 2005)
  • Cover Letter
  • DeanCare Rx Enrollment Information
  • Summary of DeanCare Rx Prescription Drug Plan Features
• Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Fact Sheet
• Wisconsin Medicare D Resource Center