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IMPORTANT HEALTH
BENEFITS INFORMATION NEW MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFITS
AND THE DETECTIVES’ ENDOWMENT ASSOCIATION HEALTH AND WELFARE FUND & RETIREE
HEALTH AND WELFARE FUND DEAR MEDICARE ELIGIBLE ACTIVE AND RETIRED MEMBER, THE DETECTIVES’ ENDOWMENT ASSOCIATION HEALTH BENEFIT
FUND AND THE RETIREE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND (“FUNDS”) currently provide your
prescription drug coverage, which is administered by National Medical Health
Card, Inc. (“NMHC”). If you or a dependent are currently eligible for
Medicare coverage, or if you will become eligible for Medicare in the near
future, you most likely will receive information about the new Medicare
prescription drug benefit that will be available beginning January 1st,
2006. Medicare will begin providing prescription
drug benefits to those who enroll in, and pay for, Medicare Part D. The DEA “FUNDS” have been deemed actuarially
equivalent to the Medicare Part D government program. Therefore, we are required by November 15th,
2005 to provide you with a “NOTICE OF CREDITABLE COVERAGE,” which is enclosed. PLEASE PUT
THIS The enrollment period for Medicare Part D is
November 15th, 2005 to May 15th 2006.
Should you decide to enroll in Medicare Part D after the enrollment
period, you must provide these documents to avoid a late filing penalty. MEDICARE PART
D AND YOUR FUND COVERAGE If you do not opt for the Medicare Part D coverage,
you will continue to receive full prescription drug benefits available to you
under the Fund’s plan. The decision
whether or not to enroll in Medicare Part D should be made after you review the
benefits provided under Medicare Part D.
This is an individual decision dependent upon your individual
circumstances. Unless you or a dependent incur prescription bills
in excess of the DEA’s $11,000 retired/$10,000 active
annual cap, it would be in your best interests to remain with the DEA’s coverage. In addition: * There will be no change in
your drug benefits simply because of your (or your dependent’s) eligibility
for Medicare; * You will not be required to enroll in
Medicare Part D; ** Please note that if you do
enroll in Medicare Part D, it will be your primary and only drug coverage. If your spouse/dependent is not eligible for Medicare Part D and you
elect to take Medicare Part D, the DEA cannot cover your spouse/dependent
under the DEA drug program. If you have any questions please feel free to
contact the DEA Fund office at (212)
587-9120. Hold Down the
‘Ctrl’ Button, (the ‘Apple’ button for Mac users), and Click below for the
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