Washington, DC (February 18, 2006) – Today, Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) was joined by Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), Rod Clark from the Centers from Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Carol Cornelison, the Texcare Regional Coordinator for the Health and Human Services Commission, Medicaid/CHIP Policy Development for a town hall meeting to discuss Medicare Part D. 

November 15, 2005 marked the first day that beneficiaries could enroll in the new Medicare Part D prescription drug plan.  Since then, it has been reported that a high level of confusion exists about the enrollment process, the various plans, and eligibility requirements.  To help address  this confusion, the panelists heard from pharmacists, doctors, and beneficiaries at the town hall. 

“Today’s event again demonstrates that people are frustrated with enrolling in Medicare Part D,” said Hinojosa.  “There have been numerous reports that people are overwhelmed and confused by the entire process.  For those who don’t have access to the Internet, or who aren’t fluent in English, the problem is compounded.  It’s imperative that beneficiaries are fully informed, can make sound decisions, and do not get shortchanged.  Unfortunately, it seems this may not be the case, and it’s my hope that this town hall gave people the answers they need, and a forum to air their concerns.”

Coverage under the new plan began on January 1, and the initial enrollment period is from November 15, 2005 through May 15, 2006 to avoid penalties. 

Senator Menendez was appointed to the U.S. Senate last year to fill a vacancy caused by the resignation of Jon S. Corzine, and took the oath of office on January 18, 2006.  Previously he served as a U.S. Congressman and was chair of the House Democratic Caucus.  He is a member of the Senate Banking, Budget and Energy and Natural Resources Committees.

Congressman Hinojosa is serving his fifth term in the U.S. House of Representatives.  He is a member of the Financial Services and Education and Workforce Committees and is Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Select Education.