Monday, Sept. 26, 2005 | 9:57 a.m.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Friday approved 17 options for standalone prescription drug plans for Medicare beneficiaries.
Two of the plans offer monthly premiums of less than $20 while others offer higher monthly premiums, but additional services or more variety in their drug coverage.
Seven of Nevada's drug plans will have no monthly premium for people who qualify for extra financial assistance.
Medicare beneficiaries, which is mostly people age 65 or older, will receive prescription drug coverage for the first time under the federal government's health plan. Beneficiaries can begin signing up for a drug plan Nov. 15 and the plans take effect Jan. 1.
Seniors on Medicare Advantage plans, which are private Medicare plans that provide more benefits than traditional Medicare, can obtain their prescription drug coverage through those plans. There will be three Medicare Advantage plans available next year -- one statewide preferred-provider organization and two health maintenance organizations.
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