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Prevent Diabetes

Pre-diabetes is when blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. If you find out that you have pre-diabetes, there are things that you can do to slow the progression to Type 2 diabetes.

Manage Diabetes

Medicare Part D Medication Gap
(“Doughnut Hole”)

The Medicare medication gap occurs when the cost of an individual’s medication reaches a certain level ($2840 in 2011) and the individual must pay for the cost of medications, rather than just the co-payments, until it reaches another cut-off value ($4550 in 2011) after which most of the medication costs are paid for by Medicare. Starting in 2011, while in the gap, generic drugs will have a 7% discount and brand-name 50%.

Use this calculator to find out if/when you will hit the gap. The calculator requires zip code, Medicare plan name and carrier, and your medications including dosages.
Click here for a simple on-line guide to Medicare

Strategies for managing the gap:

Ask your doctor if there is a generic version of your medications
Ask for a 90 day prescription. Many mail-order and pharmacies give discounts for 90 day supplies.
Benefits Check Up – identifies utility, drug, health care and housing programs you may qualify for. On-line income and expenditures questions.
Medicare Extra Help Program
Patient Assistance Programs
Co-Pay Relief Program
Discount Coupons: