By Staff
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) reminds Southwest Michigan's seniors that they have only one week left to sign up for the voluntary Medicare prescription drug plan. Seniors have until midnight on Monday, May 15, to enroll in a program and experience immediate savings - according to the Department of Health and Human Services, the average savings per person is $1,100. The next opportunity to enroll will be Nov. 15 – Dec. 31, 2006.
The new Medicare prescription drug benefit fully took effect on Jan. 1. The landmark new program provides all of the 1.48 million Medicare beneficiaries in Michigan with the voluntary option of joining a Medicare prescription drug plan. The 85,000+ seniors in the 6th District who are eligible to participate in the Medicare drug program have until May 15, 2006 to select a plan. As of April 18, over 70 percent of Michigan's seniors had already signed up to take advantage of the voluntary program.
Important points seniors need to know:
Medicare prescription drug coverage helps seniors pay for the prescriptions they need.
Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to all people with Medicare.
There is additional help for those who need it most.
Medicare prescription drug coverage pays for brand name as well as generic drugs.
To take advantage of the savings and sign up for the plan, or to learn more about the options available in their area, seniors should call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov.
Seniors can receive free, personalized counseling from the Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program by calling 1-800-803-7174. The “Medicare Prescription Plan Drug Finder” located on www.medicare.gov, allows beneficiaries to compare drug plan features, such as a plan's annual cost, deductibles, premiums and copayments for a specific list of drugs.
Seniors can also find information on the program on Upton's website at www.house.gov/upton.