November 15, 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Rep Tom Petri will hold two town meetings December 2 to discuss the new Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program. "I know there's a lot of confusion about the new benefit, so I want to give everybody a chance to learn about it and get the most they can out of the program," Petri said.

Joining Petri at the meetings will be Peter Leonis, Government Affairs Liaison at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Leonis will make a presentation on the new program, and will participate in a question and answer session.

The two meetings will take place Friday, December 2, at:

Sheboygan Senior Center 428 Wisconsin Avenue Sheboygan, WI 10:00 - 11:00 am (registration begins at 9:30 am)

Beaver Dam Senior Center 114 East Third Street Beaver Dam, WI 2:00 - 3:00 pm (registration begins at 1:30 pm)

Transcripts of Audio Comments

Rep. Petri:  This week is the beginning of open enrollment for the new Medicare Part D program, and this benefit is something that is very important for senior citizens. But I think many are trying to get more information or are confused about exactly how it might affect them.

The private sector insurance companies and others have responded a lot better than expected in offering various drug coverage plans under Medicare Part D, and right now it appears that the average plan will end up costing about $32 a month for each person who signs up, and will bring with it a subsidy of about another $94 a month.

But, of course, each plan varies, and seniors need to figure out which plan best meets their individual needs.

That's why I've arranged to bring in a senior official from the Department of Health and Human Services to join with me in two question-and-answer sessions Friday, December 2nd at the Sheboygan Senior Center and at the Beaver Dam Senior Center.

Anyone interested in further information can call my Fond du Lac office: 1-800-242-4883.

Return to Top