Question: My Part D prescription drug plan’s monthly premium has changed. I want to change my plan. Whom can I contact to help me select another plan? When can I make the change?

Answer: There is help available to assist you in reviewing and comparing plans. You can get help by calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 and talk to a trained Medicare Representative. Visit www.medicare.gov . Under Search, select “Compare Medicare prescription drug plans,” to compare cost and coverage of plans and drugs. Look in your 2009 “Medicare & You” handbook which you should have received in the mail for a listing of plans. Review the information sent to you by your present plan. If you are interested in a new drug plan, check with that company to be sure coverage is offered in your area. If you need additional help, you can call your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). In Texas, it is “The Health Information and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-252-9240. Select your plan early so you will not have any inconvenience at your pharmacy in January 2009 when you will be covered by your new plan.

Question: I receive a Social Security check and heard that we are to receive a cost of living increase in January 2009. Is this true?
Answer: Yes. You will receive a cost of living increase of 5.8% (.058) in your January 2009 Social Security check.

Question: What is the new Medicare Part B annual deductible as of January 2009? Is there an increase in the Part B basic monthly premium?

Answer: The Medicare Part B annual deductible for 2009 is $135.00. Your basic Part B Medicare premium is $96.40 a month. These figures are the same as you paid in 2008. These is no increase in these amounts in 2009.

Question: I am being married and will continue working. I will continue to use my maiden name. Do I have to change my name on my Social Security card?

Answer: No. Your employer will continue to report your wages to Social Security in your maiden name. If you plan to file a joint income tax return, check with Internal Revenue Service about the information you will need to furnish since the wage report, your W-2, from your employer will be in your name before your marriage.

Question: I am changing my bank account to another bank and need to have my Social Security check deposited in the new bank. What do I need to do to make this change?

Answer: When you change to the new bank and open your new account, have the person at the bank call Social Security for you. Social Security needs to know the banks routing number and your account number at the new bank to change your check. It may take as much as 2 months to make the change. Do not close out your account at your previous bank until your check is deposited in your account at your new bank.

Question: I am filing for Social Security Retirement benefits. My mother always receives her check on the 3rd of the month. Will my check be deposited in my bank account on the 3rd day of the month?
Answer: No. The Social Security checks are now deposited during the month. The date your check will be deposited in your account depends on your birth date. People who have birthdays from the 1st through the 10th of the month have their checks deposited the 2nd Wednesday of the month; those on the 11th through 20th are deposited on the 3rd Wednesday; and those on the 21st through the end of the end of the month are deposited on the 4th Wednesday of the month.

Question: Does the Medicare Part d Prescription Drug Program pay for any over-the-counter drugs? Will any of the over-the-counter drugs count toward meeting the drug coverage deductible? Does this program only cover generic drugs?

Answer: The answer to your first question is no. The Part D drug program only covers prescription drugs. It does not cover over-the-counter drugs, nor do the costs of the drugs apply toward meeting your deductible of the amount you pay, referred to as the “donut hole”. The Prescription Drug Program will cover name brand drugs if your doctor specifically orders the medicines but they will be more expensive. Check with your doctor about substituting a generic drug which will be less expensive. Also, check with pharmacies at local drug stores and grocery stores which may offer your generic drugs at a lower price. You do not have to buy all your drugs through your Prescription Drug Plan. However, any drugs you buy outside your plan do not count toward meeting your plans deductible amounts.