The Kaiser Family Foundation has recently released an updated, online consumer guide, Talking About Medicare, which includes an expanded section devoted to the new Medicare prescription drug benefit that began January 1. This guide is designed to help people with Medicare coverage, as well as their families, understand their options and make decisions about the new Medicare benefit based on their personal situations. The expanded section offers general information about the new Medicare drug benefit program, advice for determining if the Medicare drug benefit is right for a particular person, key considerations for selecting a Medicare drug plan and information about financial assistance with drug costs for those with limited incomes.

The guide also provides detailed information about eligibility and other covered benefits, explains supplemental insurance options and the Medicare Advantage program, and describes long–term care services available. The guide also includes a state–by–state list of resources for additional information about Medicare, Medicaid, supplemental coverage, and long–term care.

The guide is now available at http://www.kff.org/medicare/7067/index.cfm.

Other foundation resources for consumers, including a syndicated weekly column about the Medicare drug benefit, are available at
http://www.kff.org/medicare/consumer.cfm.