Enzi Encourages Seniors to Sign Up for Prescription Coverage

Enzi Encourages Seniors to Sign Up for Prescription Coverage

Deadline is less than one week away

U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., Chairman of the Senate Health Committee, is urging seniors who have not yet signed up for the new Medicare prescription drug plan to do so within the next week to avoid penalties. Any sign ups after the May 15 deadline will lead to a one percent per month increase in monthly premiums for as long as a person is in the program.

"This prescription drug plan is the biggest change since Medicare was created and it means a big change to seniors' prescription drug bills. Many seniors are saving hundreds of dollars a year just by signing up. Wyoming sign up numbers have been climbing every month and I want Wyoming to be at the top on May 15," said Enzi.

As of April 18, 2006 Wyoming had 45,101 of the 71,299 Medicare beneficiaries in the state signed up for prescription drug coverage, a 15 percent increase from March 18, 2006. Wyoming has its own Senior Health Insurance Information Program with staff trained by Medicare who can answer questions and address the concerns of Wyoming seniors. Janet Hackleman in Riverton can be reached at 1-800-856-4398, Lois Jean Halberg in Cheyenne at 1-307-634-1010 and Tom Reinhart in Casper at 1-307-235-5959. Calling1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visiting www.medicare.gov are also great places to get help. The Wyoming Department of Insurance can also be reached toll free at 1-800-438-5768.

http://enzi.senate.gov/medicaresignup1.htm