KEY FACTS FOR PEOPLE WITH DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES

What are the most important things that people with developmental disabilities and their caregivers need to know about the new Medicare prescription drug coverage?

·         Medicaid prescription drug coverage for all dual eligibles ended on December 31, 2006.  It was replaced by the new Medicare prescription drug coverage, which began on January 1, 2006.  Private prescription drug plans (known as PDPs) provide this coverage. 

·         The Medicare drug benefit may not provide the same drug coverage provided by many state Medicaid programs.  In addition, there is a complicated set of rules and procedures that govern the new Medicare prescription drug coverage. 

·         If a person with a developmental disability is only receiving Medicaid he or she is not affected by these changes.