MS and Medicare
On January 1, 2006, Medicare began offering coverage of prescription drugs like AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a) and other Biogen Idec MS products to qualified patients. Medicare prescription drug coverage makes it easier for you to pay for the prescription drugs you need.
What does the Medicare prescription drug benefit cover?
Medicare covers many medicines that you get through your doctor or at the hospital. The Medicare prescription drug coverage benefit also covers generic and brand name medicines you pick up at the pharmacy.
The prescription drug coverage benefit is available to everyone with Medicare. However, Medicare prescription drug coverage is not automatic. You must choose to join a Medicare prescription drug plan.
What plan choices do I have?
Private insurance companies that have been approved by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will offer you different kinds of Medicare prescription drug coverage plans. There are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage. You can join a:
- Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) or
- Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MA-PD)
Depending on where you live, you will have a choice of several different plans. These plans may cover different costs for you. We recommend you compare plans to find one that meets your prescription drug needs. We also recommend you confirm that the plan you join covers AVONEX® (Interferon beta-1a), and that the pharmacies used by the plan are convenient for you. Coverage of AVONEX may not be the only factor in identifying the best plan for you.
Who is eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage?
Anyone with or eligible for Medicare benefits can choose to join a Medicare prescription drug plan. If you have prescription drug coverage through a Medicare HMO or PPO, or a current Medigap plan, you should have received information about your prescription drug choices.
Questions? Call MS ActiveSource at 1-800-456-2255 or visit www.medicare.gov.
Medicare has neither reviewed, nor endorsed this information.
Please see the important safety information about AVONEX.
