GOOD TO KNOW: Medicare Part D rebate checks

Medicare Part D beneficiaries who reach the coverage gap (sometimes called the donut hole) in 2010 will receive a $250 check directly from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. On June 15, the first batch of checks will be mailed out to beneficiaries.

The rebates will go to anybody who enters the donut hole in 2010. This includes beneficiaries who already entered the donut hole, those currently in the donut hole, and those who will reach the donut hole this year. After the first batch is sent out, a new batch of checks will be sent out every six weeks.

The rebate checks will be sent out automatically. No action is required of beneficiaries. There is no form to fill out. No request needs to be made. Beneficiaries do not need to call Medicare or call their Part D plan. Beneficiaries who enter the donut hole in the first half of the year will receive a check in the first mailing. Those who enter the donut hole after the cutoff for the previous mailing will receive the rebate in the next mailing.

Beneficiaries who receive the low-income subsidy will not receive a $250 rebate. Further, beneficiaries enrolled in a qualified retiree drug plan are not eligible for the $250 rebate.

Beware of scams! Some unscrupulous individuals are attempting to obtain personal information about beneficiaries by telling beneficiaries that they need to apply for the rebate. They then offer to help the person apply and collect personal information. Medicare Part D beneficiaries should be on guard against this scam. Remember, no action is needed to get the rebate!

Questions? Contact the Disability Drug Benefit Helpline at 1-800-926-3862.

If you have any additional questions, you may call Pat Hafermann, elderly benefits specialist with the Aging and Disability Resource Center, at (920) 467-4100 or 800-596-1919.

Resource: “U.S. Department of Health and Human Services” May 2010