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Senior Medication Assistance

 

ChecKmeds NCAs a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan enrollee in North Carolina (age 65 or older), you are able to get services from the ChecKmeds NC program FREE OF CHARGE. This program will give you a better understanding of your medicines and aims to improve your overall health care.

ChecKmeds NC includes a first visit called a "brown bag review," where a specially trained ChecKmeds NC pharmacist will set up a time to devote just to you. The two of you will meet in a private area to go over all the medicines you take (you'll bring them with you in a "brown bag").

The pharmacist will answer questions and to make sure you know: When and how to take your medicine Drugs you may or may not need If you need to change the drugs you are taking (due to side effects or if there are drugs that can't be taken at the same time)

The pharmacist will talk with your doctor about any changes that are needed in the drugs you take.

Later, there will be follow-up visits to keep track of things and make sure that your medicines work well for you. For example, if you are put on a new drug, the ChecKmeds NC pharmacist will: Talk to you about what it is for and how to use it Follow up to make sure the drug is working right and you are not having any problems

Your ChecKmeds NC pharmacist will be there to talk with you about your needs and concerns. Feel free to ask questions. The pharmacist wants to help.

Medication Outreach ServicesFrequently Asked Questions


A ChecKmeds NC pharmacist can save you money.
Your ChecKmeds NC pharmacist can help you find the medicine that works best and that has the lowest cost.

Selected pharmacists in North Carolina are part of ChecKmeds NC
Only pharmacists who took the ChecKmeds NC training course are part of ChecKmeds NC. Ask your pharmacist if s/he is part of ChecKmeds NC.

You can use your regular pharmacy and still visit a ChecKmeds NC pharmacist too.
You do not need to change where you get your medicine.

If your pharmacist isn't part of ChecKmeds NC you can still go to your
The ChecKmeds NC pharmacist will just be giving you extra services.

You will not pay more if you use a ChecKmeds NC pharmacist?
There is no extra cost for the services.

Your doctor will be notified of any changes needed to be made to your medicines.
If the ChecKmeds NC pharmacist thinks changes are needed, s/he will talk with your doctor, but only your doctor can change your prescription.

If you can't find a ChecKmeds NC pharmacist near where I live your regular pharmacist may be willing to be trained to be a ChecKmeds NC pharmacist. If not, then you can get the ChecKmeds NC service by phone.
 
 
NCRx

NCRx


You are eligible for NCRx if you meet all of the following criteria:

• North Carolina Resident
• Medicare Beneficiary
• Age 65 or older
• Income at or below $18,200 for individuals and $24,500 for married couples
• Combined savings, investments and real estate (other than your home, car, and $1500 per person to cover burial expenses) of $20,881 or less for individuals and $31,322 for married couples
• Enrolled or will enroll in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan that participates with NCRx
• No other form of drug coverage that is as good or better than Medicare Part D
• Not eligible for the full federal “Extra Help” subsidy for Medicare Part D

Applying for NCRx?

You can print out an NCRx enrollment application from this website. Once you have printed it out, complete it and send it to NCRx, P.O. 10068, Raleigh, NC 27690-2724.

You may request an application by calling 888-488-NCRX (6279). You may also request that an application be mailed to you by going to www.ncrx.gov/enrollForm.asp and entering your name and mailing address.

Once your application to NCRx has been approved and you are enrolled in a participating Medicare prescription drug plan, NCRx will pay up to $29 of your monthly premium.

For example, if the Medicare prescription drug plan you choose costs $30 per month, NCRx will pay $29 per month. You will pay the remaining $1 per month. If the plan you choose costs less than $29, NCRx will pay the full monthly premium.

Any Medicare prescription drug plan that will accept payment from NCRx can participate. The names of participating plans are available by calling NCRx at 888-488-NCRX (6279) or by clicking on this link:
If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part D, and you meet the NCRx eligibility requirements, you can still apply for NCRx. If your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan participates in NCRx, then NCRx will subsidize up to $29 of your premium. The names of participating plans are attached along with their Plan ID and contact telephone numbers.

If you are not enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan, and you meet the NCRx eligibility requirements, you should apply for NCRx. If your application is approved, you must then enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan.

If your income is less than $15,600 for an individual or $21,000 for married couples, and your combined savings, investments and real estate (not including your home, car, or a $1500 burial allowance) are less than $11,990 for an individual or $23,970 for a married couple, you may be eligible for greater federal assistance -- enough to cover all of your drug costs except for small co-payments.

To apply for this federal benefit, you must complete and submit an “Extra Help” application, available at www.medicare.gov, your local senior service center or any Social Security office. You may also get a federal Extra Help application from NCRx by calling 888-488-NCRX (6279). If your income and resources meet the Extra Help guidelines above, you should apply for Extra Help right away. If you are eligible for federal Extra Help, in most cases you cannot also receive premium assistance from NCRx. If you have additional questions about NCRx, the Medicare prescription drug plan coverage or federal Extra Help, call NCRx at 888-488-NCRX (6279) or check the following resources:

North Carolina Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
• 800-443-9354 www.ncshiip.com

Medicare
• 800-633-4227 www.medicare.gov

That's it! You have taken a big step to make sure your health is on the right track!
 
 
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