Because your existing coverage is on average at least as good as standard Medicare prescription drug coverage, you can keep this coverage and not pay extra if you later decide to enroll in Medicare coverage. Individuals can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan when they first become eligible for Medicare and each year from November 15th through December 31st. Beneficiaries leaving employer/union coverage may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period to sign up for a Medicare prescription drug plan.
You should compare your current coverage, including which drugs are covered, with the coverage and cost of the plans offering Medicare prescription drug coverage in your area.
If you do decide to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan and drop your United Healthcare prescription drug coverage, be aware that you and your dependents may not be able to get this coverage back. In addition, your current coverage pays for other health expenses in addition to prescription drugs. You cannot drop United Healthcare’s prescription drug coverage without dropping the entire medical plan. You should also know that if you drop or lose your coverage with United Healthcare and don’t enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage after your current coverage ends, you may pay more to enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage later. If you go 63 days or longer without prescription drug coverage that’s at least as good as Medicare’s prescription drug coverage, your monthly premium will go up at least 1% per month for every month that you did not have that coverage. For example, if you go 19 months without coverage, your premium will always be at least 19% higher than what most other people pay. You will have to pay this higher premium as long as you have Medicare coverage. In addition, you may have to wait until the following November to enroll. the various plan details and research doctors on the UHC provider network on www.uhc.com. We have included the following definitions section to assist you in understanding the information throughout this guide. For more information about this notice or your current prescription drug coverage, contact Katie Raftery at 516-367-8499 or raftery@cshl.edu; or Camille Cava at 516-367-5033 or ccava@cshl.edu. You will receive this notice annually and at other times in the future, such as before the next period you can enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage, and in the event that your current plan with United Healthcare changes. You may also request a copy of this letter.
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