Medicare Part D: The Medicare prescription drug benefit program. We call this program “Part D” for short. Medicare Part D covers outpatient prescription drugs, vaccines, and some supplies not covered by Medicare Part A or Medicare Part B or Medical Assistance. Our plan includes Medicare Part D.Medicare Part A: The Medicare program that covers most medically necessary hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health, and hospice care.
Medicare Part B: The Medicare program that covers services (such as lab tests, surgeries, and doctor visits) and supplies (such as wheelchairs and walkers) that are medically necessary to treat a disease or condition. Medicare Part B also covers many preventive and screening services.Medical Assistance: This is the name of Minnesota’s Medicaid program. Medical Assistance is run by the state and is paid for by the state and the federal government. It helps people with limited incomes and resources pay for long-term services and supports and medical costs.
It covers extra services and some drugs not covered by Medicare. Medicaid programs vary from state to state, but most health care costs are covered if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.

Safe Disposal of Medications

Remove the Risk

When properly used, medications can provide relief and save lives. But unused or expired prescription medications are a public safety issue, leading to potential accidental poisoning, misuse and overdose. Proper disposal of unused drugs saves lives and protects the environment. Half of people who misuse prescription opioids get them from a friend or family member, according to data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Accidental exposure to medicines in the home is a major source of poisoning emergencies among children. Even non-prescription medications can have dangerous side effects when misused.

Here are some basics to help you keep your medications safe:

For most medications, it is best to dispose of them by taking them to a drop-off location where they are destroyed with the least environmental impact. Here are links to help you find a disposal drop-off site near you.

When a drop-off site is not available there are some alternatives. If you want to dispose of your medications at home when you aren't able to get to the drop off site, here is some information from the Food and Drug Administration.

If you cannot get to a drug take back location promptly, or there is none near you, and your medicine is:

Some pharmacies will also take medications for disposal; check with your local pharmacy the next time you get medications.

Last Updated on 02/22/2024 by Chris Gartner

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