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In November 2003, Congress passed sweeping legislation to create Medicare
Part D, a voluntary prescription drug plan to provide coverage to 42 million
elderly and disabled Americans who qualify for Medicare coverage.
I did not support this legislation because I think we can do better for
our seniors. The bill contains language that states the Federal Government
shall be prohibited from negotiating with the big drug manufacturers to
bring down the high cost of medicine. Additionally, many seniors
will experience a large gap in coverage for necessary medications, referred
to as the ‘donut hole,’ during which beneficiaries pay their monthly premiums
for the prescription drug program, while paying the full cost of their
medications.
However, it is crucial the over 450,000 Arkansans eligible for the Medicare
prescription drug benefit are armed with the resources, tools, and information
necessary to determine the best plan to suit their needs, should they choose
to enroll.
I urge beneficiaries to take time, be patient, and do ample research
before signing up for a prescription drug benefit. Beneficiaries
can enroll in a prescription drug plan from November 15, 2005 – until May
15, 2006. Those beneficiaries who enroll before December 31, 2005,
should receive prescription drug coverage as soon as January 1, 2006.
Medicare beneficiaries must register no later than May 15, 2006 for a prescription
drug plan to receive benefits in 2006 and to avoid a permanent financial
penalty for late enrollment. Finally, if you are unhappy with the
Medicare Drug Benefit you have chosen for yourself, you will be able to
switch plans on November 15, 2006. You are not locked into a prescription
drug plan for a lifetime.
To find information and determine a plan to suit your prescription drug
needs, you may visit my website at http://www.house.gov/ross/hot_topics.shtml,
call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit their website, www.medicare.gov. I also
encourage you visit the following websites that provide a wealth of important
information and answer frequently asked questions:
Link to Basic Medicare Prescription Drug information:
http://www.medicare.gov/pdphome.asp
Description of Plans:
http://www.medicare.gov/medicarereform/map.asp
Formulary Finder for Prescription Drug Plans:
This website will allow you to find plans in Arkansas that match necessary
medications:
http://formularyfinder.medicare.gov/formularyfinder/selectstate.asp
Medicare and You Handbook:
Summary of Medicare benefits, rights and protections, and answers to
the most frequently asked questions about Medicare.
http://www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/10050.pdf
Frequently Asked Questions:
http://questions.medicare.gov/cgi-bin/medicare.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php
Qualify for Assistance?:
If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get help
paying for your monthly premiums, deductibles and co-payments under this
prescription drug program.
http://www.ssa.gov
As the holiday season approaches, I encourage you to reach out to members
of your community, friends, and family who are eligible for Medicare Part
D Prescription Drug Coverage and provide assistance in this complex selection
process. There is no question the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug
Plan is complicated and confusing, but I encourage you to utilize the available
resources to help you make sense of the maze of information. |
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