May 27, 2010

Max News 5-24-2010

There is a new little baby boy whose grandparents live in Max! Candace and Ray Iverson have a new grandson, Ivan, born on May 7th at 9# 5 oz. and 22 inches long. He is Heather Iverson Lee and Scott Lee's son, of Benedict. Ivan has four sisters who love him dearly; Riley, 7; Alyssa, 6; Emmersyn, 4; and Kambry, 3. Congratulations to all of you!!

Notice: Closing the prescription drug coverage gap with a $250 rebate will help you with your Medicare drug costs. The Affordable Care Act passed by Congress and signed by President Obama this year contains some important benefits for Medicare recipients. If you have Medicare prescription drug coverage, and aren't already getting Medicare Extra Help, Medicare will automatically send you a one-time $250 rebate check after you reach the coverage gap (also called the "donut hole") in 2010. This rebate is the first step toward closing the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap.

"What is the coverage gap and how will I know if I've reached it?" Most Medicare drug plans have a coverage gap. This means that after you and your plan have spent a certain amount of money for covered drugs, you have to pay all costs out-of-pocket for your drugs (up to a limit). The Explanation of Benefits notice, which your drug plan mails to you each month when you fill a prescription, will tell you how much you've spent on covered drugs and whether you've entered the coverage gap.

"Will I need to do anything to get this rebate check?" No. There are no forms to fill out. Medicare will automatically send you a check that's made out to you. You DON'T need to provide any personal information like your Medicare, Social Security, or bank account numbers to get the rebate check. DON'T GIVE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION TO ANYONE WHO CALLS YOU ABOUT THE $250 REBATE CHECK. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to report anyone who does this. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

Go to "stopmedicarefraud.gov" to learn more about how Medicare is working with law enforcement to stop scams against seniors. If you have other questions about the rebate check or the Affordable Care Act and Medicare, you may visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE, (1-800-633-4227).

Again - don't forget to phone Lynae Schroeder at 679-2505 if you want your child or children to take swimming lessons this summer.

Tomorrow, Friday, May 28th the Max Senior Citizens will be having their potluck and meeting, starting at 6 p.m.

"The important thing is not that we can live on hope alone, but that life is not worth living without it." Harvey Milk