Rep. Cunningham Urges Seniors to Sign Up for New Prescription Drug Benefit

REP. CUNNINGHAM URGES SENIORS TO SIGN UP FOR NEW PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT

Washington, Nov 15 - WASHINGTON, DC - Today is the first day America's seniors can sign up for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R-San Diego) issued the following statement urging his constituents to take advantage of this important initiative:

"In 2003, Congress led the effort to provide America's seniors with a prescription drug plan that would help with the cost of medication. Today, that plan comes on-line, and seniors can now sign up," said Congressman Cunningham

"The new prescription drug program will help America's seniors meet the cost of vital medication. Everyone with Medicare is eligible, regardless of income level and resources, pre-existing conditions, or current expenses. This benefit will help America's seniors stay healthy longer, and reduce the burden of financing costly prescription drugs. The seniors in my district should contact Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE to sign up, or may contact my office at (760) 737-8438 or (858) 755-8382 for more information," added Cunningham.

Sign up for the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit starts today, November 15, 2005. Seniors who sign up by December 31, 2005, will get coverage beginning January 1, 2006. Those who sign up after December 31, 2005, will receive coverage one month after sign-up. May 15, 2006 is the last day to sign up for coverage in 2006. Seniors who do not sign up during this period will have to wait until November 15, 2006 to join and may pay a penalty.

For more information call 1-800-MEDICARE, contact the office of Congressman Randy "Duke" Cunningham, or visit http://cunningham.house.gov/ConstituentServices/medicaredrugbenefit.htm.

http://cunningham.house.gov/news/DocumentSingle.aspx?DocumentID=37157