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Overview
Across Southern Minnesota , people are living longer, healthier lives than ever before. As the population ages and the baby boom generation retires, we need to ensure that seniors have access to quality health care and affordable prescription drugs.
Medicare Part D
As of January 2006, Medicare covers prescription drugs if you enroll in a plan. Enrollment is voluntary, but for seniors without prescription drug coverage or those looking for more affordable coverage, the benefit is worth considering.
There are over 40 Medicare-approved plans available in Minnesota alone.
Help is available for reviewing plans and signing up. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or take advantage of Medicare's online enrollment center at www.medicare.gov. If you use the Web site or the phone line, you need to know what prescription drugs you regularly take and the dosage, and either the Medicare phone line staff or the Web site will tell you which plan is best for your needs. If you are having problems, please call my office toll-free at 1-800-862-8632.
If you would like to share your experiences with signing up for a plan or with your insurance plan, please enter your comments on my Message Board.
If you have not signed up prior to May 15, 2006, you will be assessed a penalty on the health insurance premium (unless you qualify for an exemption as described below). If you sign up late, your premium penalty will be an additional 1 percent per month permanently.
The next open enrollment period after the May 15, 2006, deadline is November 15 - December 31, 2006, with coverage starting on January 1, 2007.
If you have limited income (below $14,700 for an individual or $19,800 for a married couple) and resources (below $11,500 for an individual or $23,000 for a married couple), you could qualify for extra Medicare help. To learn more or to apply now, visit Social Security online at www.socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp or call Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
Finally, Medicare beneficiaries who qualify after May 15, 2006, for the limited-income subsidy (LIS) available through the Medicare prescription drug program will have a one-time special enrollment period to enroll in the Medicare prescription drug benefit if they have not done so already. This one-time enrollment for beneficiaries who qualify for the LIS is different from extending the open enrollment period - it simply gives beneficiaries who are newly qualified for LIS a one-time opportunity to enroll when they qualify.
Recent Legislation & Accomplishments
Congressman Gutknecht is a cosponsor of the Medicare's Equitable Drugs for Seniors Act (H.R. 376). This legislation would allow Medicare to negotiate with drug manufacturers and pharmacies in order to provide prescription medication to beneficiaries at the lowest possible price.
Congressman Gutknecht voted to stop confiscation of prescription drugs from Canada . In 2005, Customs agents, without any warning, began seizing mail-order prescription drugs from Canada. Congressman Gutknecht protested the confiscation with a strong letter to U.S. Customs and by voting for the 2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill that would prevent further seizures.
Congressman Gutknecht is also a cosponsor of the Retirement Security for Life Act (H.R. 819). This bill would amend the tax code to protect 50 percent of guaranteed payments from certain annuity or life insurance contracts from taxation.
Helpful Links for Seniors
Medicare.gov (for information on Medicare, nursing home and home health care ratings)
Social Security Online (for information on retirement, Medicare and disability)
The Mayo Clinic (for information on medications, diseases, etc)
Nursing Home Report Card (for information on Minnesota 's nursing home ratings)
FirstGov (for information about many parts of our government)
Helpful Phone Numbers for Seniors
For more information about programs in your area, dial 1-800-333-2433. The Senior Linkage Line offers help with health insurance counseling (including Medicare and Medicare D), and information on what is available to seniors locally.
