Washington, D.C., Feb 23, 2007 -

The 5th District of Florida has more recipients of Social Security and Medicare than any other congressional district in the United States.  Working to meet seniors’ health care needs has been my priority since I first came to Congress.  

Your Medicare Part B insurance helps pay for medical treatment outside of a hospital visit.  These services cover your visits to your doctors as well as nursing services, x-rays, laboratory and diagnostic testing, and outpatient hospital services.  If your movement is limited, Medicare Part B will also pay for canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and if you need it, Part B provides coverage for prosthetic devices and oxygen equipment for home use. 

If you are low income, you may qualify for subsidies that will help you to pay for your Medicare premiums.  Currently, one in four Medicare beneficiaries is eligible for assistance that requires that they pay little or no premium for Part B services.  If you live only on your Social Security check, it is possible to receive help to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses. 

I often hear from constituents who have difficulty understanding the services that Medicare provides under Part B, or who have faced problems receiving their Part B reimbursement payments from Social Security.  As your Member of Congress, I want to ensure that you are receiving the best services available from our government programs – after all, we work for you.  Should you ever have questions about your Part B benefits or experience any problems, I’d like you to contact my Brooksville office toll-free at 1-866-G-WAITE-5 (1-866-492-4835).  It is an honor and privilege to serve the people of Florida's 5th Congressional District, and my staff is here to provide you with any assistance you may need.