CHA Blog

The Network of Care website in California is a one-stop information place bringing comprehensive health and social services information to the community level. The website highlights county-specific information on government programs and local community-based organizations and services. Network of Care has 9 areas of focus, including an area for older adults and people with disabilities, mental health, and veterans services.     

improving information and communication in the health and social service fields at the community level. Trilogy works primarily with state and county governments and other local human service entities to establish one-stop information places, centered on highly interactive, community-based Web sites. Trilogy’s efforts in creating these “virtual communities”

The veterans section of the site is available in 10 languages. Veterans can use the site to create personal health records, search a jobs database, check symptoms, participate in social networking and access a library of resources.

For more information on Medicare and VA benefits, see our fact sheet:

• Medicare and Veterans Administration Medical Benefits Package

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently revised their tip sheet explaining what prescription drugs are covered under Medicare Part A (hospital insurance), Medicare Part B (medical insurance), and Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage). 

If you or your clients have questions about which part of Medicare covers what drugs, this is a good place to start.

In general, Part A only covers drugs that are administered as part of a beneficiary’s treatment while in a hospital or skilled nursing facility. Part B generally covers drugs that aren’t normally self-administered and instead are given as part of a doctor’s service. Coverage is usually limited to drugs that are given by infusion or injection. If the injection is self-administered or isn’t given as part of a doctor’s service, Part B generally won’t cover it.

Part B also covers several other drugs, including: 

• Various vaccination shots (flu shot, pneumococcal shot, Hepatitis B shot)
• Some drugs used in infusion pumps and nebulizers
• Osteoporosis drugs
• Immunosuppressant drugs
• Some oral anti-cancer drugs

For a complete listing and explanation, see the CMS tip sheet.

Part D provides comprehensive coverage for many generic and brand-name drugs and is offered through private Part D prescription drug plans. All Medicare drug plans must generally cover at least 2 drugs in each drug category, yet they can choose which 2 drugs to cover. In 6 drug categories, however, Medicare drug plans are required to cover all drugs. These 6 categories include: antidepressants, antipsychotics, anticonvulsants (drugs toprevent seizures), antiretrovirals (drugs to treat HIV/AIDS), immunosuppressants, and antineoplastics (anti-cancer drugs).