• Home
• About Amy
• Serving Minnesotans
• About Minnesota
• Issues/ Legislation
• Media Center
• Contact Amy
• FAQ

News Releases

Sen. Klobuchar Urges Seniors to Shop Carefully for Their Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans

Average Premiums Expected to Skyrocket by 21% for 2008

November 20, 2007

North St. Paul – As families gather together for the Thanksgiving holiday, one topic that might well come up at the dinner table is what seniors should do about their Medicare Part D prescription drug plans for next year.

The annual open enrollment period for seniors to switch their Medicare Part D plans began on November 15 and continues through December 31.

This morning, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar visited the call center for Minnesota’s Senior LinkAge Line and met with counselors who are helping seniors understand their options.  Representatives from the Minnesota Senior Federation were also present, along with several seniors who expected to switch their Part D plans due to changes in cost and coverage.

“It’s important for seniors, and family members who care about them, to be informed consumers and do careful comparison shopping for their Medicare Part D plans,” said Klobuchar.  “The premiums, copayments and deductibles are increasing, while the drug formularies are getting more restrictive.”

A recent analysis of Part D drug plans nationwide found that average monthly premiums are expected to increase by 21 percent for 2008, while coverage in many plans will shrink.

“Seniors can’t afford to assume that their current Medicare drug plan will continue to provide the best price or coverage for their needs in 2008,” said Klobuchar.  “By shopping around, seniors may very well find a new plan that costs less and is more suitable to their medical needs.”

Klobuchar said she continues to support changing the Part D law to make the program more consumer-friendly and to enable Medicare to negotiate directly with pharmaceutical companies to obtain lower prices for seniors and lower costs for taxpayers.  However, a Senate vote on such a proposal was blocked earlier this year.

For 2008, Minnesotans have a total of 151 Medicare Part D plans to choose from:  52 are drug-only plans; 79 are Medicare Advantage plans that combine drug and health coverage; and 20 are “special needs” plans for people with disabilities or who are “dual eligible” for Medicaid and Medicare.

“With this wide array of Part D plans,” Klobuchar explained, “we want to make sure that Minnesota seniors get the prescription medicines they need at the most affordable rates and with the best coverage possible.”

Klobuchar said that Minnesotans are fortunate to have the Senior LinkAge Line available as a resource to help them understand their options with Medicare Part D.

The Senior LinkAge Line (1-800-333-2433) is a free statewide telephone information and assistance service offered by the Minnesota Board on Aging and the Minnesota Area Agencies on Aging.  With one call, seniors and their families can get help evaluating their situation and finding appropriate services and resources.

The Minnesota Senior Federation is another information resource on Medicare Part D plans, with a toll-free number of 1-866-783-5045.

Seniors can also compare Part D plans by going directly to the Medicare website at:  www.medicare.gov.

###