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| One Week Remains in This Medicare Prescription Sign-Up Period |
May 09, 2006 |
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Wilson Reminds Seniors of Sign-Up Date; Voluntary Program Continues to Grow
Albuquerque – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today reminded seniors that they still have this week to sign up during the first enrollment period for the voluntary Medicare prescription drug coverage.
“If you want to sign up or have questions, there’s still time,” Wilson said. “We passed this law to help those who need it the most, because Congress recognized that medicine is expensive, particularly for those with lower or fixed incomes.”
Monday, May 15, 2006, marks the end of the first enrollment period for seniors wanting to participate this year without penalty. As of last month, 30 million people were enrolled nationally, and 89 percent of seniors in the First Congressional District had drug coverage – one of the highest sign-up rates in the nation.
“I’m so pleased that thousands of seniors in the First Congressional District now have help buying their medicines,” Wilson said. “There’s also extra help for those with limited incomes.”
Some seniors with limited income and resources can continue to sign up with no penalty.
Medicare covers most seniors and many disabled Americans. Anyone eligible for Medicare qualifies for the new prescription drug coverage, the first offered by Medicare in the history of the program. Enrollment began on November 15, 2005, and coverage began on January 1, 2006.
Wilson has made helping seniors with the prescription drug program a priority for her office through mailed information, dozens of senior town halls, partnerships with other helping agencies and employers, Medicare fairs with providers and even telephone calls to constituents offering assistance. Seniors are encouraged to call her office for help at 505-346-6781 or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
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