Created: 10/19/2006 6:35:13 PM 
By Ken Amaro First Coast News
MIDDLEBURG, FL -- Clay County resident Pete Jimmison is enrolled in the Medicare Prescription Drug Program. He also gets a check from social security. His October check was short.
"I was very upset. Why is this money taken out?" asked Jimmison.
Jimmison pays $2.40 a month for his prescription drugs. This month, $121.40 were deducted from his fixed income.
"It showed that was for the drug plan," says Jimmison.
Jimmison has spent hours on the phone between his insurance carrier, Medicare, and social security. He's being told his the monthly premium of his drug benefit plan is the same $2.40, so why did he have to pay $121.40 this month for coverage?
"Ever since the first of the month, I've been asking and I can't get a straight answer," says Jimmison.
Jimmison takes six different pills daily. He enjoys the benefits of his medicare prescription drug program.
But says he can't afford to pay $1.21.40 a month, if that's what the program is now going to cost him.
"I don't know what to expect," says Jimmison.
On Your Side called the local social security office and they contacted Jimmison today and told him that the reason he paid more this month was to cover his first two months in the program, when he was earning a higher income.
Jimmison finds that hard to believe.
Medicare's regional office in Atlanta told On Your Side there have been "no adjustments" in the monthly premiums for 2006. And no carrier can just change the plan.
Anyone with a problem is encouraged to call 1-800-MEDICARE.
As for the 2007 year, enrollment starts November 15th and runs through December 31st.
North Florida counties have 57 plans to choose from and participants are being encouraged to make a decision by December 8th.
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