Medicare Drug Program Gets Some Help

WASHINGTON — Medicare’s slow-to-catch-on prescription drug program, available next January, is getting a push from organizations that want to help it succeed.

Former Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana announced Tuesday the creation of the Medicare Rx Education Network, composed of more than 40 groups hoping to get people to sign up for the program. They include the AARP, Blue Cross Blue Shield, the Easter Seals and American Medical Association.

The network’s top priority is to educate the public about Medicare’s program to subsidize prescription drugs. It plans a public relations blitz to tout the program, including a TV commercial, a Web site and a 24-hour toll-free phone number for information. Several of the participating organizations plan to carry educational advertisements in their publications.

Breaux alluded to the public’s perception that the program is confusing and not worthwhile when he told a story about his father, who called him one day and said, "That prescription drug thing is not going to work, and I’m not going to worry about it." Breaux said he knew that he had to start an education campaign after that phone call.

Because Medicare recipients must apply for the drug program in addition to their regular coverage, the network intends to inform as many people as possible about it before applications begin to be accepted in November, Breaux said.

Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Mark McClellan said, "The new network and its efforts will be a big help towards our goal of reaching seniors and people with disabilities."

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On the Net:

Medicare Rx Education Network: http://www.medicarerxeducation.org  

Medicare: http://www.medicare.gov