This information is provided by the Kidney Medicare Drugs Awareness and Education Initiative. The initiative is comprised of a group of more than 35 kidney organizations and companies who have joined forces to help people with kidney disease and the health care professionals who care for them understand the new Medicare benefit.
What: There will be six free teleconferences on Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D). A nephrology social worker will facilitate and speak. Experts will make presentations and answer questions.
Why: The objective of this offering is to share key messages and factual information to help health care professionals answer questions they may have or their patients may ask
Who: Any healthcare professional or person with kidney disease who is interested in learning more about Medicare prescription drug coverage may participate.
When: You will be able to listen to the live teleconference at noon Eastern Time on the 3rd Tuesday of each month from August through January.
Where: You can download a PowerPoint presentation for each teleconference from www.kidneydrugcoverage.org the Monday before the event and indefinitely thereafter. A webcast recording of the teleconference and transcripts of each teleconference will be available for downloading within 2 weeks of the teleconference.
How: Participants can access the teleconference by calling 877-707-9628 and using the code: 44919. Callers will then be asked to register. Hold music will play until the conference begins. You can e-mail us questions to info@kidneydrugcoverage.org. Please type "question" in the subject line. Questions about the teleconference and other issues will be answered and posted on the website FAQ page. The website will be operational Monday, August 15, 2005. For more information about the teleconference or the community initiative, visit www.kidneydrugcoverage.org. If you do not have access to the Internet, visit your local library or ask someone to look up information for you.
Tuesday, August 16
Understanding Medicare Part D: Overview of Benefit and Low-Income Subsidy for Medicare Beneficiaries with Limited Income and Resources
Experts: Teri Arthur-Browne, National Kidney Foundation of Council of Nephrology Social Workers chairperson, Susie Butler Division of Partnership Development, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Cheri Arnott, Associate Commissioner of External Affairs, Social Security Administration
Tuesday, September 20
Medicare – How It’s Changing to Help More People: What You Need to Know Now About Coordinating Part D Benefits with Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Medigap, Employer/Retiree, and Union Plans
Tuesday, October 18
Medicare – How It’s Changing to Help More People: Helping Patients Choose a Medicare Part D Plan
Tuesday, November 15
Medicare – How It’s Changing to Help More People: Exceptions and Coverage Determinations
Tuesday, December 20
Medicare – How It’s Changing to Help More People: Grievances and Appeals
Tuesday, January 17
Medicare – How It’s Changing to Help More People: Helping to Fill the Coverage Gap