News and Views

Congressman Jerry Lewis Applauds Enrollment of 3.3 Million California Seniors in Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Congressman Jerry Lewis hailed the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recent announcement that more than 80 percent of eligible California Medicare beneficiaries, 3.3 million, are now receiving prescription drug coverage. Enrollment of local seniors in the 41^st Congressional district, represented by Lewis, has reached 84 percent.

“With each passing day, more and more local seniors are signing up for prescription drug coverage and saving money,” Lewis said.  “Despite difficulties early on, problems have been smoothed out, and real benefits are being realized by seniors.

In an AARP poll released April 12, 2006, 78 percent of enrollees reported being satisfied with their prescription drug coverage. Of those surveyed who had prescription drug coverage before 2006, 63 percent reported their new Medicare drug plan is either better than or as good as their previous coverage.

Medicare beneficiaries still have time to sign up before the May 15 deadline, Lewis said.

“With the final deadline for enrollment just a couple of weeks away, all eligible seniors should take a close look at this program, which many of their neighbors are already making a success. Seniors shouldn’t be discouraged by rhetoric or rumors,” Lewis said.  “Making sure that this program is accessible to every eligible senior has been a top priority for myself and Congress and will continue to be. I can assure you that all eligible seniors who want to join will have an opportunity to do so.”

Seniors interested in learning more about the Medicare prescription drug program should visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).  Constituents can also contact Congressman Jerry Lewis’s office at 1-800-233-1700 for further assistance.

Click Here to Return to News & Views