Idaho was first presented to Congress, by mining lobbyist George M. Willing, as a name for a new territory around Pike's Peak. He told Congress that Idaho was a Shoshone Indian word that meant "Gem of the Mountains." Indian names were popular at the time and by the end of 1860, Congress was set to name the Pike's Peak region Idaho. Just as Congress was about to bestow this name, it came to their attention the Idaho was not an Indian name, but a name made up by Mr. Willing. In reaction, Congress designated the territory Colorado instead of Idaho.
In the meantime, the word Idaho had come into common usage. One of the mining towns in Colorado Territory had been named Idaho Springs. A Colorado steamboat launched on June 9, 1860, for service between the Cascades and The Dalles, was named "Idaho." Gold was found in Nez Perce country, and these discoveries became known as the "Idaho Mines," perhaps after the steamboat used in the gold rush up the Columbia River. Though Idaho had been discarded as a name for the new territory, the name became well known from Washington D.C. to the Pacific northwest.
In 1863, Congress created a new territory for the Idaho Mines and Idaho seemed like a natural. (Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 2001)
2009 Medicare Part D Plans for Residents of Idaho
Idaho is CMS Region 31.
Below are features of the National Medicare Prescription Drug plans (PDPs) for Idaho.
Click on the enroll icon or plan name below to access enrollment options (including download of the enrollment form for many plans) OR Click on one of these links for further help finding a plan:
A few notes to help with the understanding of the 2009 Medicare Part D Plan chart above.
Plan Name: This is the official plan name from CMS
Deductible: This is the $295 deductible that was presented in the CMS Standard Plan. Many provider's plans do not have a deductible, however the premium may be higher.
Qualifies for $0 Premium with Full Low-Income Subsidy?: If Yes is in the field, then you would pay a $0 premium if you have a Full Low-Income Subsidy. If No is in the field, then you would be responsible for the difference between what the state provides as the Full Low-Income Subsidy and the actual cost of the plan even if you have a Full Low-Income Subsidy.
Coverage Gap the Donut Hole: In the CMS Standard Plan, the beneficiary must pay the next $3453.75 in drug costs (the Donut Hole). Many provider's plans cover the costs that fall into this category for an additional premium. In our chart, you will see one of the following:
No Gap Coverage: you must pay the $3453.75;
Some Generics, All Preferred Generics, All Generics : Various Generics are covered, but you must pay for Brand Drugs up to $3453.75;
All Generic & Some Brands: One regional plan, only available in Florida covers all Generics and some of the Brands.
Benefit Type: Basic means that this plan follows the standard CMS plan. Enhanced means that this plan has features above and beyond the standard CMS plan.
Plan ID: This is the unique id for this particular plan.
(Chart Source: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid file 2009LandscapeSourceData_PDP_09_18_08.xls)
Please note: The above plan information comes from CMS. We make every attempt to keep our information up-to-date with plan/premium changes. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information. Through the application process we will provide you with the most up-to-the-minute information/pricing.
