Tucson Region

Medicare Q and A

Q: Why is the new prescription drug coverage called Part D? What are A, B and C? A: At last - any easy question! Medicare Part A is the part of Medicare that covers hospital care. Part B covers outpatient care, such as doctor visits, lab work, X-rays and other health services that you get outside a hospital. ● Part C is a term that's almost never used, but it refers to the vast number of health plans available as alternatives to original Medicare. They are called Medicare Advantage Plans, and they include Health Net's Senior Care and PacifiCare's Secure Horizons. New next year will be United- Healthcare's Medicare Complete, Humana Gold Choice, Sterling Option 1 and many others. ● If you have a question about the new Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, the Star will try to help. Send your question by e-mail to reporter Jane Erikson at jerikson@azstarnet. com or call 573-4118.

The Arizona Daily Star's Medicare Q and A will run inside the B section through Dec. 31.

Pima Council on Aging experts will answer questions on the new Medicare Part D prescription-drug coverage at the following workshop: Wednesday, Nov. 16 8 to 11:30 a.m. Where: Green Valley Recreation Center, 1111 Via Arcoiris, Green Valley Cost: $5. Reservations are required; call 324-1960. Medicare's new Part D prescription drug coverage will be available to everyone enrolled in Medicare starting Jan. 1.