Important Medicare Part D Information

THE DETECTIVES’ ENDOWMENT ASSOCIATION HEALTH BENEFIT FUND AND THE RETIREE HEALTH BENEFIT FUND (“FUNDS”) currently provide our members’ prescription drug coverage, which is administered by Benecard PBF.

The DEA “FUNDS” have been deemed actuarially equivalent to the Medicare Part D government program.  We are required to provide you with a “NOTICE OF CREDITABLE COVERAGE,” which can be found in the Health Benefits section of this Web site.

PLEASE DOWNLOAD THIS INFORMATION AND PUT THE DOCUMENTS IN A SAFE PLACE.

The enrollment period for Medicare Part D occurs November 15th, through May 15th each year.  Should you decide to enroll in Medicare Part D after the annual enrollment period, you must provide the above referenced 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.

Retirees — unless you or a dependent incur prescription bills in excess of the DEA’s $15,000, it would be in your best interest 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 and you will no longer be enrolled in the DEA prescription drug plan as of the Medicare Part D effective date.

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 prescription drug plan.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the DEA Funds office at (212) 587-9120.

See the Health Benefits portion of this Web site to download and save the important