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Neptune, NJ – United States Senators Robert Menendez and Frank Lautenberg today joined United States Representative Frank Pallone at a seniors center in Neptune, New Jersey to release a letter urging the Bush administration to extend the May 15th deadline for senior citizens to sign up for a prescription drug plan under the new Medicare Part D benefit.
The program has been plagued with problems since it was enacted, and seniors have complained that they face a bewildering array of choices. In New Jersey, there are 19 providers offering 45 different prescription drug plans, with premiums that range from $4.43 to $66.53. Menendez, Lautenberg and Pallone were joined by local senior citizens, and counselors were available to assist any seniors who need help in choosing a plan.
“Our seniors should not be punished for the shortfalls of this new drug benefit. And today we have the opportunity to give our seniors the much-needed extension of time and flexibility they need to choose a plan,” said Sen. Menendez. “We are committed to doing whatever it takes to make this drug benefit something that helps instead of hurts – just like doctors are sworn to “do no harm,” neither should the federal government implement a drug benefit that’s too confusing for seniors to get the medications they need at an affordable price.”
“This 'Medicare Maze' of a drug plan is just too complicated to pressure people to sign up by May 15th,” said Sen. Lautenberg. “Seniors in New Jersey deserve enough time to make an informed decision.”
“New Jersey seniors are already having enough difficulty paying for their pills, and should not face the added burden of a Bush prescription drug tax,” Pallone said. “If seniors need more time to ensure they make the right decision then we should not hesitate to give it to them.” |
