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October 11, 2005

Rep. Petri Attends Medicare Town Meeting in Appleton


Media Advisory: - Congressman Tom Petri participated in a town meeting Oct. 11 in Appleton at the Thompson Community Center to raise awareness about Medicare prescription drug coverage.

The Medicare outreach event was organized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), and featured CMS Administrator Mark B. McClellan.

The event drew a standing-room-only crowd of approximately 100 people, including senior citizens, representatives of senior citizen organizations, senior citizen service providers and more. The group was generally receptive to the information that was provided, although one person was critical and somewhat disruptive.

The emphasis of the meeting was on the choices that seniors will have with regard to the new prescription drug program and the ability for them to choose the type of plan that best meets their needs. There was also an emphasis on the resources available to senior citizens through CMS, various senior groups and service providers to help them in their analyses of their options.


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Audio Comments from Rep. Petri and CMS Administrator Mark B. McClellan

Transcripts of Audio Comments

Rep. Petri: I'm happy Dr. McClellan came to the Fox Valley to draw people's attention to a very important decision that senior citizens are going to be making over the next few months, and that is whether, and which, Medicare Part D plan to enroll in.

This is something that will be different for different people. And there are going to be a lot of people giving advice as to which of the plans that are offered is most suitable for each individual. But a decision is going to have to be made. And, of course, if by default people don't make a decision, that's a decision in and of itself.

But in any event, coming from Washington here, traveling around the country, is an effort to draw people's attention to the fact that D-Day - Part D Day - is approaching."

CMS Administrator Dr. Mark B. McClellan: This is the most important new benefit in Medicare in 40 years. Prescription drugs are an essential part of modern medicine, and now they're going to be part of Medicare.

To make sure that people can get the coverage that's best for them, they have choices. And we're going around the country, including right here in Wisconsin, to make sure people know that there is help available so they can make an informed choice.

People should start by thinking about what they want in their Medicare coverage, and then we'll help them find a plan that is a good fit for them.

And they can get help by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Or if they or their family-members like to go on the Web they can go to Medicare.gov.

And we are getting help from many local organizations here in Wisconsin as well that can help people make an informed decision."

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