|
MEDICARE
My first priority is to protect and ensure the Medicare benefits of Alabama’s senior citizens. It is my sincere belief that all seniors should have adequate health care and access to affordable prescription drugs. That is why I supported the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003, which provided the first-ever federal prescription drug benefit for Medicare enrollees. Aside from this voluntary benefit, the legislation brings Medicare into the 21st Century with modernizations that reflect cutting edge health care technology and delivery, Health Savings Accounts, and a Welcome to Medicare physical. The rural provisions in the bill will put more than $738,000,000 back into the hands of Alabama health care providers. In the 6th District of Alabama alone, the overall benefit to our health care providers will be close to $54,000,000.
Multiple private providers are now offering nearly two dozen prescription drug benefit plans in Alabama. Participants pay a monthly premium and are also responsible for copayments. The benefit includes generous coverage for catastrophic costs, and extra assistance is available for people with limited income and resources. The program is saving senior citizens money on their prescription drug costs. It is worth investigating to see if it is right for you.
There are a number of resources to help senior citizens make the best possible selection for their needs. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services may be reached at 1-800-MEDICARE and also has a branch office in Atlanta; for prescription drug inquiries, you may call (404) 562-7500. Alabama’s State Health Insurance Assistance program is offering assistance through their toll-free number, 1-800-AGE-LINE (243-5463). Information is also available on the internet at www.medicare.gov .
|