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Friday, May 12, 2006

Medicare Prescription Drug Deadline Coming Up Fast

Knollenberg Encourages Seniors to Sign Up by Monday, May 15

WASHINGTON , D.C. With the deadline for the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plan fast approaching, Congressman Joe Knollenberg (R/MI-09) has issued a statement to urge eligible seniors to make a decision on the plan by the 15th.

“Approximately 5 million out of 42 million eligible seniors have yet to make a decision on the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. I strongly encourage those seniors to take a close look at their options and make a decision on the by the deadline on Monday the 15th .

“To help encourage these seniors to make a decision, I joined my colleagues in the House yesterday to pass H. Res. 802, which encourages “all eligible Medicare beneficiaries who have not yet elected to enroll in the new Medicare Part D benefit to review the available options and to determine whether enrollment in a Medicare prescription drug plan best meets their current and future needs for prescription drug coverage.

“Before this benefit was available, millions of seniors across the country had absolutely no access to prescription drugs because of high costs and lack of insurance. For the millions of seniors without prescription drug coverage, this new benefit has given them the helping hand they desperately needed.  For those with coverage, this benefit greatly expands their choices. And, this program is entirely optional - those that are happy with their current coverage or who simply do not want it are not required to participate.

“There are resources available to help seniors make the best choice. I urge all seniors in my district to take a close look at the program, seek assistance if needed, and make a decision by the 15th,” Knollenberg said.

The new Medicare prescription drug benefit will help tens of millions of seniors pay for their medicines. As of today, over 30 million seniors have signed up for the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. The average senior will see their prescription drug bills drop by almost 50 percent. Low-income seniors, who need help the most, will have 95 percent of their prescription drug costs paid for by Medicare.

Seniors who do not sign up by the 15th but decide later that they want to participate may receive a penalty, however, they will not be subject to a penalty if they have maintained "creditable" drug coverage through another source, which includes retiree health coverage offered by a former employer or union. 

 For more information or for assistance on deciding on a plan, please call 1-800-MEDICARE,  or call the Office of Congressman Joe Knollenberg at 248-851-1366. You can also contact the Michigan Medicare Assistance Program at 1-800-803-7174 to reach a MMAP volunteer counselor within your community.

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