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Washington, D.C., Nov 20, 2007 - Congressman J. Randy Forbes (VA-04) announced today that local seniors in the Fourth Congressional District and across Virginia have the opportunity to change their Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Plan – known as Medicare Part D – from now until December 31^st. Virginia residents have over 50 plans to choose from, so seniors can review their current selection with the other options to ensure they are enrolled in the most affordable plan to meet their prescription drug needs.

“I encourage all seniors and other eligible individuals in Virginia to research their choices for Medicare prescription drug coverage and select a plan that helps them get the medicine they need at the most affordable cost. This is an opportunity for seniors already enrolled in Medicare Part D or those that are newly eligible to select a plan that best suits their needs,” Forbes said. “Medicare Part D has lowered the prescription drug costs for many seniors across the country and I hope that all seniors in my district research if one of these plans is right for them. Seniors in need of more information about the choices they have should feel free to contact Medicare or my office for additional information.”

Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit plans provide prescription drug insurance for seniors and other eligible individuals under the Social Security Disability program, enabling covered individuals assistance in paying their prescription drug costs. Currently, approximately 42 million people are enrolled in Medicare, with 31 million covered under a Medicare prescription drug plan. The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit plan went into effect in January 2006 and for seniors who previously lacked drug coverage, average savings are $1,100 per year. In the Fourth Congressional District, almost 59,000 seniors were participating in a Medicare prescription drug plan at the beginning of 2007.

For help choosing a plan, seniors and other eligible individuals should contact 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.Medicare.gov. Low-income seniors should contact the Social Security Administration to apply for additional help at 1-800-772-1213. In Virginia, seniors can visit www.eldercare.gov and www.vda.virginia.gov/aaalist.asp to help locate their local agencies on the aging, which have trained insurance counselors in the Medicare Part D program.

For a comprehensive look at Congressman Forbes’ work on heath care issues, visit http://randyforbes.house.gov/issues/healthcare.htm.

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