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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) issued the following statement today after learning that the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) has already received 35 complaints about marketing violations by private plans targeting individuals to sign-up for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. Although the registration window does not open until November 15, 2005, CMS allowed health insurers to begin marketing their plans to Medicare beneficiaries on Saturday, October 1, 2005 using telemarketing, advertising, and direct mail pieces.
"This is the first time in history CMS has let private companies cold call Americans to market a private plan. These companies are already breaking the rules by using dishonest tactics to sell a prescription drug benefit to confused seniors. It is not enough that we are overpaying these companies to administer the benefit…they are now breaking the rules to lure seniors into their plans. We must work to empower our seniors with objective information. Private plans want nothing more than to turn a profit."
The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit begins on January 1, 2006. The registration window opens on November 15, 2005 and will remain open until May 15, 2005. Individuals without prescription drug coverage equal to or better than the coverage provided by this benefit will be penalized if they sign-up after the registration window has closed. |
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