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March 21, 2006 |
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"I`m here to help you. Whether it`s the new prescription drug coverage in Medicare, or other issues, I hope you`ll call or write me."
Rep. Heather Wilson
Dear Friends,
When Medicare was set up in 1965, they decided to give people choices. Seniors could continue to go to the doctor they wanted to go to -- not a government doctor or government hospital. The same is true for Part D of Medicare. Seniors get to choose how and where they will get their medicines.
I was critical of the roll-out in the early weeks -- help lines that were overloaded, data exchanges that were not working well, etc. -- but there are signs that things are getting fixed. And we will keep after the problems until everything is smooth as silk.
If you need help as you review your options or you try to get your medicine under your new plan, I hope you`ll call my office. I`m here to help.
 Monday: Heather helping serve lunch at the Rio Bravo Senior Meal Site. She talked with seniors about prescription drug plans.
Help With Your Medicine
Remember the May 15 Enrollment
If you`re a senior on Medicare, there`s a date coming up that you should be aware of. Thousands of New Mexico seniors have already signed up for their prescription drug coverage. Now you can, too. The next enrollment period is November 15 - December 31, 2006.
How can I sign up for a Medicare prescription drug plan?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE. When calling, have your Medicare card, a list of drugs that you use, and the name of your pharmacy on hand to get immediate help in choosing your plan.
If you use the Internet, or have a friend or family member that can help you, you can get personalized help at www.medicare.gov.
Sign up directly throguh a personalized plan that you have chosen.
All of the different plans are overwhelming. Why are choice and competition good for me?
New Mexico`s enrollment numbers have increased substantially since the plan became available in January -- that means thousands of seniors are finding a plan that works for them. If you haven`t signed up yet, help is available to you. We can help you understand your choices so you can choose a prescription drug plan that is right for you. Competition and bulk buying power yamong plans has lowered the average premium from $37 to $25. If you`d like some help navigating the different plans, please feel free to call my office at 505-346-6781.
I am a senior with limited resources and income. Are there special benefits for me?
If you have a limited income, you may be able to get help paying for your monthly premiums, deductibles and co-payments under this prescription drug program. If your annual income is below $14,700 for an individual ($19,800 for a married couple living together), you may not have to pay monthly premiums or deductibles, and you could pay as little as $2 for your co-payments. Call 1-800-772-1213 to apply for extra help.
If you are having trouble getting your prescriptions filled or choosing a plan, you can contact:
Heather Wilson`s office at 505-346-6781
Medicare 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4273)or go online www.Medicare.gov.
Social Security Administration for Low-Income Assistance 1-800-772-1213
"Every senior should get the medicine they need at a good price without a lot of time and hassle at the drug store."
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