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| Wilson Spreading Word on Medicare Plans |
December 08, 2005 |
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By Stacey Boyne
Mountain View Telegraph
Congresswoman Heather Wilson wants New Mexico seniors to know they may be missing out on the new Medicare prescription drug coverage.
About a dozen senior citizens from the East Mountains area attended a luncheon with Wilson, R-N.M., at Los Vecinos Community Center in Tijeras on Dec. 1.
Wilson focused on getting all who qualify on board for the Medicare Part D Benefit Prescription Drug Plan that Congress recently added to Medicare.
According to Wilson, the Social Security Administration recently mailed 126,000 forms to New Mexicans who are likely to qualify for the program. It could save them up to 50 percent on prescription drug costs, she said.
But the return rate for the enrollment forms is less than 25 percent so far.
"Forty-five percent of New Mexico seniors qualify for low-cost or no-cost plan coverage," Wilson said. "There are currently 32,000 New Mexican seniors that qualify for extra help with their prescription drug costs that are not on Medicare."
This group of people who do not have Medicare coverage are the ones Wilson is most concerned about.
She said many seniors who qualify but are not covered by Medicare are the ones having to decide whether to buy their prescriptions or pay for food.
Although the amount of help one receives is based on income and resources, Wilson encouraged all who think they might qualify to fill out and submit the forms from Social Security immediately.
"Even if you have Medicaid or some other form of coverage, such as through the VA, or a retirement plan, you can still qualify," Wilson stressed.
According to a fact sheet provided by Wilson, 43 prescription drug plans are offered by 17 Medicare-approved plan providers for seniors in New Mexico with traditional Medicare.
Seniors with disabilities who choose to enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans can get additional coverage at lower costs compared to traditional Medicare.
For many seniors, however, the forms and information can be daunting, Wilson said. She recommends that a friend or family member of the applicant help them through the process.
"I have found the Web site to be the best resource," she said. "Sit down with someone who can help you, after you`ve determined what is most important to you in your drug plan. Then enter in the prescription drugs you use, and the plans that fit your needs are recommended."
For those who are uncomfortable using the Internet or don`t have the option to visit www.medicare.gov, Wilson said the (800) MEDICARE phone number should be just as helpful.
Open enrollment for the prescription drug plan began Nov. 15 and the last day to sign up without incurring a small penalty is May 15, 2006.
For those who sign up by Dec. 31, coverage will begin on Jan. 1.
Editorial: Drug Plan Is Worth the EffortMountain View Telegraph
The new Medicare Part D Benefit Prescription Drug Plan might seem bewildering, but many seniors will see a payoff, according to Congresswoman Heather Wilson.
Wilson met with some East Mountains seniors during a luncheon last week at Los Vecinos Community Center to encourage them to give the program a hard look. Signup for the program has been disappointing, and she wants seniors to understand the potential benefits.
Some seniors ultimately will elect or will not be qualified to participate, but those who don`t bother to check out the new program could miss out on significant benefits, she says.
"Forty-five percent of New Mexico seniors qualify for low-cost or no-cost plan coverage," Wilson said. She said many of these seniors are the ones who currently have to choose between buying their prescriptions or paying for food.
The new plan can save these and other qualified seniors 50 percent on prescription drug costs, she said.
For help in understanding the new plan go to www.medicare.gov, or call (800) MEDICARE. The deadline for enrollment for the prescription drug plan without incurring a small penalty is May 15. Those who sign up by Dec. 31 will receive coverage beginning on Jan. 1.
For some people, working through the confusing array of forms and options is sure to produce frustration. But seniors should make an effort to find out if the new plan can pay dividends they could really use.
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