WALSH JOINS AREA SENIORS IN RECOGNITION OF 'OLDER AMERICANS MONTH'
Congressman Touts Strong Enrollment and Support for New Medicare Drug Benefit

(Syracuse, New York)- Congressman Jim Walsh today joined residents of Loretto's The Nottingham senior living community in recognition of "Older Americans Month."  Walsh used the opportunity to tout several federal initiatives positively impacting the lives of New York's seniors, including the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.

"I'm proud that every American senior is now eligible for real prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D," said Walsh.  "Medicine is changing, becoming more and more reliant upon drug therapy for treatment, and it's important that seniors have the options and flexibility through Medicare to receive coverage for their prescription drugs.  This is the largest, single expansion of Medicare since the program was founded in the 1960's."

Walsh cited a recent report from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that indicated a large majority of eligible CNY seniors have already signed up for Medicare Part D.  A recent poll by The Washington Post and ABC News showed that nationwide three-quarters of those who have enrolled have said the paperwork was easier than expected and nearly two-thirds say the program is already saving them money.  The average enrollee will save more than $1,100 on prescriptions drugs this year alone.

Walsh defended the May 15th deadline, saying a cut off date is needed to encourage seniors to look into this new benefit and enroll in the plan of their choice.  The Congressman indicated that altering the enrollment schedule would tax the system, unfairly impacting those who followed the rules and enrolled on time and penalty-free.  In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office released a study on Monday that said extending the May 15th deadline would cost the system $100 million this year and $3.4 billion over ten years. 

Eligible seniors who opt to enroll after Monday's deadline will have to pay a small penalty - likely a mere $2 fee added to an average monthly premium of $25.  Earlier this week, President Bush waived all penalties for low-income seniors and people with disabilities who sign up late.  Further, dual eligible (Medicare + Medicaid) seniors and those disabled have the option to change plans throughout the year if their needs change; all other Part D enrollees can change annually during open season in November and December.

As of May 7th, close to 68,000 25th District seniors had signed up for the plan.  Nationally, 37 million seniors are currently enrolled.  After Monday's deadline (midnight on May 15th), premiums for late enrollees will go up by 1% per month. 

The Onondaga County Office of Aging will be offering extended hours on Monday, May 15th from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to assist interested Medicare beneficiaries in enrolling before the deadline.  Counselors will be on site (13th Floor of the Mulroy Civic Center) to assist beneficiaries throughout the day.
 
In addition, in collaboration with the Onondaga County Public Library System, Department of Aging counselors will be stationed at several local libraries on Monday to answer questions and to facilitate enrollment. There are no appointments necessary and individuals will be helped on a first-come, first-served basis.  

Beneficiaries must bring a complete listing of their medications and dosages and the current Medicare card.  Following is a listing of the library locations and times.
· East Syracuse Free Library, 4990 James Street in East Syracuse, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.;
· Liverpool Public Library, 310 Tulip Street in Liverpool, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.;
· Fairmount Community Library, 406 Chapel Drive in Fairmount, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.;
· NOPL at Cicero, 8686 Knowledge Lane in Cicero, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m.;
· Petit Branch Library, 105 Victoria Place in Syracuse, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.; and
· Beauchamp Branch Library, 2111 S. Salina Street in Syracuse, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

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