I opposed the law that created this program.  I believe the drug benefit is inadequate, overly complex and was set up to maximize profits for private insurance plans rather than maximizing help to Medicare beneficiaries.  Nonetheless, I want to be sure people on the Central Coast have all the information necessary to make the best decision about whether to join and which plan may best meet their needs. 

Most importantly, seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries can enroll without penalty until May 15.  No one should feel pressured into making a quick decision.

Watch out for fraudulent companies and don’t give anyone your Social Security Number or credit card information over the phone.

By now beneficiaries should have received a mailing from Medicare and information from plans in their area.  Unfortunately, some of the information distributed by the Bush Administration has been factually inaccurate, so it is imperative to seek assistance before you or your loved ones make a decision. 

Medicare beneficiaries who currently have prescription drug coverage should receive a letter from the sponsor of their current plan.  My advice is to review this information carefully and keep any correspondence.  Letters from current coverage providers may be necessary to protect people from penalties down the road.  

It is possible that some people will not find a single plan that completely serves their needs.  For example, not all plans will offer the same medications or the specific medications you might need.  Some, but by no means all, of the plans will be offered without a premium to low-income beneficiaries.  Other plans will provide different levels of assistance for different amounts of out-of-pocket expenses.  And many plans will limit which pharmacies can provide covered medications. 

Medicare beneficiaries must carefully weigh all of this information.  As you consider different plans, ask each what prescription drugs are covered and whether there is a gap in coverage. Organizations such as the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) are available to help you or your loved ones work through all this information and make the best decision.

Because of the complexity of this new drug benefit and the difficulty in getting accurate information, I want Congress to give Medicare beneficiaries more time.  No one should be rushed while navigating through the dozens of confusing Medicare drug plans.  The least we can do is give beneficiaries more time to understand their options to make the best choice.

I’ve co-sponsored the Medicare Informed Choice Act (HR 3861) to give Medicare beneficiaries an additional six months to decide.  This bill will prevent penalties they may face after May 15 if they haven’t enrolled and choose to enroll later.  This bill also would give every beneficiary the opportunity to make a one-time change in plan enrollment at any point in 2006.  Additionally, the legislation will protect retirees from being dropped by their former employer’s plan during the first year of the implementation of the drug plan. 

Unfortunately, I fear that many seniors and the disabled on the Central Coast will find out that the plans they sign up for are not all they are cracked up to be.  I hope that by sounding the alarm now, we can help families avoid some costly mistakes.

Whom to contact:

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP):

1-800-434-0222

www.calmedicare.org

Medicare:

1-800-633-4227

www.medicare.gov

Social Security Administration:

1-800-772-1213

www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp