OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Goode News

Date: Oct. 5, 2005
Issues: Senior Citizens Entitlements and the Safety Net Health Insurance


Goode News
October 5, 2005

ATTENTION ALL MEDICARE RECIPIENTS!

2006 will mark a lot of changes for those of you on Medicare...the most important of which will be prescription drug coverage that begins on January 1, 2006. You must join to get the coverage. This will be known as Medicare Part D. You can join from November 15, 2005-May 15, 2006. If you do not join by May 15, 2006, you cannot join until November 15, 2006, and you will pay a higher premium. The Medicare prescription plan will cover both brand name and generic drugs. Everyone who is now on Medicare is eligible. Some low-income people may be eligible for extra benefits such as lower or no premiums. Social Security will advise you about this. The cap is $11,500 for individual and $23,000 for couple.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Important Dates to Remember

October 2005 - You will receive in the mail the Medicare and You 2006 Handbook that will list all changes in Medicare for 2006 as well as list all the insurance companies and information about their plans. Review these plans carefully. Ask questions of the companies before you enroll!

November 2005 - May 15, 2006 - Open enrollment period of the Medicare Drug plans. If you do not enroll during this period, you will pay a penalty!

January 1, 2006 - Medicare prescription coverage begins.

If you have any questions about the new prescription drug plan, please call Jennifer Moorefield or Judy Mattox in my Danville office, 434-792-1280, or 1-800-535-4008.

In the House of Representatives, the Higher Education Relief Opportunities for Students Act has been passed. The bill provides support for military personnel by continuing to allow the U. S. Secretary of Education to provide assistance and flexibility to men and women in uniform as they transfer in and out of postsecondary education during time of war. Also, the bill extends waiver authority that allows the Secretary to excuse such military personnel from their federal student loan obligations while they are on active duty.

The U. S. Small Business Administration and Liberty University are co-sponsoring a "Small Business Symposium" on Saturday, October 22nd, at the Liberty University Teacher Education Hall. The symposium runs from nine a.m. to noon. To register, call Trisha Tolar at 434-582-2352. There is no charge to attend the symposium. Liberty University is hosting this symposium under the President's Faith-based and Community Organization Initiative. Its goal is to reach small business owners and persons who are considering small business ownership.

http://www.house.gov/goode/20051005.shtml

arrow_upward