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Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Shuster urged seniors to take advantage of the Medicare prescription drug benefit as the program moves into its second year. Open enrollment for the Part D benefit runs from November 15 to December 31, 2006. Medicare beneficiaries who have not yet signed up for the drug benefit can do so, and current enrollees can change to a new drug plan if they find one that is better suited to their health needs.
“For seniors who are happy with their current plan, there is no need to take any action. But for those seniors who wish to change plans or enter the program, the opportunity is available to enroll in a lower cost or more comprehensive plan,” said Shuster. “Part D continues to be a success in Pennsylvania. Study after study shows that beneficiaries who previously had no drug coverage had fewer out-of-pocket costs for prescriptions in 2005, and had greater access to medications in the first year of the Medicare drug benefit.”
On average, 2007 plans are covering 13 percent more drugs than they did this year, as well as offering plans with full or partial coverage in the gap, plans with low premiums and plans with no or low deductible. The national average monthly premium for Medicare prescription drug plans is remaining at $24 for 2007.
Beneficiaries who want to consider other options for their drug plans should use Medicare’s Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with a counselor. |
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