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Congressman Tom Petri is asking senior citizens to review their Medicare Part D drug coverage.
"The open enrollment period for Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit plans will run through December 31," Petri said. "If you are unhappy with your coverage or if your needs have changed over the past year, now is the time to research and compare the 57 competing plans available in Wisconsin to identify the option that is best for you."
The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit provides assistance to seniors and eligible low-income individuals in paying their prescription drug costs. Since its beginning in January 2006, Medicare-eligible seniors enrolled in the plan have been receiving an average savings of $1,200. According to the federal government's Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), more than 38 million seniors nationwide are voluntarily participating and accessing the benefits of the program.
Petri notes that those who are satisfied with their current plans need do nothing to maintain coverage, but that those who are eligible but do not have drug coverage may end up paying penalties upon enrolling late.
In addition to the current enrollment period concluding at the end of the year, those participating in the Medicare Advantage (MA) plan may make one change by enrolling in a new plan, changing plans or canceling a plan between Jan. 1 and March 31, 2008.
CMS is encouraging beneficiaries to review their prescription and other health needs by assessing the plan options described in the "2008 Medicare & You" handbook or on the Web site www.medicare.gov. In addition they can contact the county government-based benefit specialists who are trained to assist them in choosing the plan that is best fitted to their needs.
Low-income seniors should contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 to apply for additional help. Other seniors can receive assistance by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
In addition, Rep. Petri says his Senior Citizen Representative, Mary Schmidt, is available at 1-800-242-4883 to answer basic questions and to direct seniors to the appropriate benefits specialists.
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