Washington, D.C.  -  Congressman Mike Rogers said today Third District seniors interested in saving money on their prescriptions can soon begin enrolling in one of the new Medicare Prescription Drug plans.

Rogers said the enrollment period begins Tuesday, November 15, and lasts until May 15, 2006. He said the voluntary plans, which seniors and their families should research carefully depending on their medical needs, are a good first step towards providing seniors relief from skyrocketing drug costs.

“For the first time ever, many East Alabama seniors could see real relief from high prescription drug costs,” Rogers said. “These plans aren’t perfect, but they are a good start for helping many seniors who have been struggling to pay for their prescriptions.”

Rogers said while all seniors eligible for Medicare may enroll, participation is voluntary. Seniors who sign up for drug coverage before December 31, 2005, are eligible to receive benefits beginning January 1, 2006, he said. Seniors may also change their plans each year during an annual enrollment period which runs from November 15 to December 31 each year.

Seniors with computer access may visit www.medicare.gov to compare plans and benefits, or may call 1-800-MEDICARE, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to learn about these plans.

Rogers said he hopes to hold several workshops with health officials to assist seniors with this process. “Seniors may have many questions and this benefit may need some fine tuning. But in the process, I will do what I can to be helpful as Third District seniors explore how these plans could benefit them.”

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