Lincoln: Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Sign-up is

November 15th – December 31st

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 09, 2006
Contact: Katie Laning (202)224-4843

Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-Ark.) today reminded Medicare beneficiaries that starting Wednesday, November 15, they can once again enroll in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program. The six-week enrollment period for Medicare Part D ends December 31 and coverage begins January 1, 2007.

"The prescription drug program has been helpful for many of Arkansas’ seniors and individuals with disabilities," Lincoln said. "I encourage all Arkansas Medicare beneficiaries to look at the program and determine what plan might best address their needs. Those who were enrolled in the drug benefit for 2006 should also ensure that their current plan will meet their prescription drug needs in the future."

The Medicare drug program gives all 479,834 Medicare beneficiaries in Arkansas access to prescription drug coverage.

Lincoln warned that some low-income beneficiaries will have to actively re-apply for the low-income subsidy in 2007 instead of being automatically enrolled. In addition, low-income beneficiaries may need to switch drug plans in order to continue to pay no premium. Lincoln said that these individuals should have received an application in the mail and will need to return it to the Social Security Administration.

In addition, Lincoln pointed to last year’s enrollment problems and encouraged Arkansas’ Medicare beneficiaries to enroll in the drug program as soon as possible to prevent any problems with their coverage. Many individuals who joined the program in the last few days of the enrollment period found that Medicare had not processed their application by the time the program went into effect.

Lincoln encouraged seniors to call, toll-free, 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov to determine how the program affects them. The Seniors Health Insurance Information Program in Arkansas also provides free counseling to Arkansans on Medicare and can be reached toll-free at 1-800-224-6330. Lincoln also encouraged seniors to contact her office for assistance toll-free in Arkansas at 1-800-352-9364.