Helpful Medicare Information

As a senior member on the House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee Congressman Phil English has been working on behalf of Pennsylvania seniors, championing policies to strengthen and modernize Medicare, and increase access to quality and affordable healthcare.

Gaining Access to the Prescription Drugs You Need at an Affordable Price

Today, many seniors rely on prescription drug medicines to stay healthy and fight both short-term and long-term ailments. As drug costs continue to skyrocket, the expense of these necessary medications become burdensome, forcing many seniors on fixed incomes or with access to limited resources to cut back on their drug dosage or forgo them all together. No senior should ever have to choose between paying for food and paying for medicine.

Thanks to the enactment of the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act you can now do something for yourself or a loved one to help lower the cost of prescription drugs. America’s seniors now have the option to sign up for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit and take advantage of savings to help lower the costs of their medications. The 2008 enrollment period for this new benefit began on November 15, 2007 and runs through December 31, 2007. Signing up is easy. All you need is your Medicare card, a list of prescribed drugs and the name of your pharmacy to get started.

Whether it’s the goal of local seniors to lower their drug costs, have complete coverage or convenient access, they finally have the opportunity to choose a drug plan that will meet their needs. I encourage all seniors to take advantage of this new drug benefit and enroll in a plan to continue receiving needed prescription drugs, and in turn, saving money.


Fast Facts for Seniors:

  • Pennsylvania seniors can now choose from 63 different Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs).
  • 31 of these plans offer beneficiaries enhanced benefits or services.
  • Medicare beneficiaries who choose a stand-alone plan can get coverage for as little as $15.40 a month.
  • 36 plans now offer coverage with no deductible.

Learning More:

  • Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and talk to a Medicare representative, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Call Pennsylvania’s APPRISE insurance counseling service at 1-800-783-7067 to speak to an APPRISE counselor. This program offers counseling and assistance on a variety of topics including: Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, long term care financing options and other health insurance options.
  • The Medicare & You handbook is available online, along with other helpful information, at: www.medicare.gov.
  • Contact the district office that is closest to you.


Are you about to, or have you recently Enrolled in Medicare?
Don’t Miss Out on the Welcome to Medicare Physical Exam!

Did you know that once you enroll in Part B, Medicare will cover a one-time preventive physical exam within the first six months that you have Part B? That’s right a FREE physical exam within the first six months that you are enrolled in Part B Medicare.

The exam will include a thorough review of your health, education and counseling about the preventive services you need, like certain screenings and shots, and referrals for other care. The "Welcome to Medicare" physical exam is a great way to get up-to-date on important screenings and shots and to talk with your doctor about your family history and how to stay healthy.

For more information contact your doctor or visit: http://www.medicare.gov/health/physicalexam.asp today!