Learning About the New Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Learning About the New Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
All Medicare Recipients Should Be Informed of New Program
Washington, Oct 10 - One of my jobs as your Congressman is to keep you informed about important changes in federal laws and programs.
Soon a new law will allow Medicare recipients to get help paying for prescription drugs. Because this voluntary plan could help you lower your health care costs significantly, it is crucial that you receive the information you need to make an informed decision.
For this reason, I've asked representatives from Medicare to come to Nebraska and explain this program and your options to you. This week I've hosted ten such sessions in communities across Eastern Nebraska, and my office is committed to providing the necessary information to anyone who might not have been able to join us.
Everyone with Medicare is eligible for this coverage, regardless of income and resources, health status, or current prescription expenses. It is important that you have the information you need, because beginning November 15, 2005, you will be able to sign up for Medicare drug coverage. If you sign up before December 31st of this year, your coverage will begin with the plan's inception on January 1, 2006.
Importantly, the initial enrollment period will only run six months, until May 15, 2006. Should you choose to enroll after this initial period, your premiums may increase and your enrollment opportunities will be restricted to the final two months of each calendar year. For this reason, I strongly encouraged all my constituents to inform themselves and determine whether they want to participate in this voluntary plan during this initial period.
Please note that no one has to join a Medicare prescription drug plan, and you will not in any way be penalized if you choose not to. Joining a Medicare drug plan is your choice and is entirely optional. However, you must join for coverage to begin.
You should research this new plan and see if it is right for you, as your savings might be significant. The average senior will see their drug bill cut in half, and many low income seniors will have almost all of their prescription drug costs covered by Medicare. If you have very high drug costs, Medicare could cover up to 95% of expenses exceeding $3600 a year.
If you weren't able to join me at one of my recent informative sessions, I encourage you to call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (or visit www.medicare.gov) to get all your questions about the new prescription drug plan fully answered. Medicare can also tell you how to get personalized counseling in your area from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, local office on aging, and other organizations. The phone number of your local office on aging is also available at www.eldercare.gov.
Of course, my office is always standing by to provide assistance with Medicare and other government programs. If you have any questions about your Medicare benefits - or any other government services - you are always encouraged to contact my office at 402-438-1598.
http://fortenberry.house.gov/News/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=35505