Stark to Speak About New Medicare Program Democrat Criticizes Health Insurance Plans in Leaflet to Residents
Posted on: Saturday, 5 November 2005, 00:00 CST
By , FROM STAFF REPORTS
FREMONT -- Rep. Pete Stark is encouraging residents to contact independent groups, counselors and health advocates who can answer questions about Medicare's new drug program before picking a plan.
"Before making any decisions, Medicare beneficiaries should take their time, check their facts, and know their options," the Fremont Democrat said in a statement. "Senior citizens and people with disabilities will be faced with a dizzying array of options and seem to have few places to turn to for unbiased information."
The congressman will host a town hall meeting about the Medicare program from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Fremont Senior Center, 40086 Paseo Padre Parkway. Another meeting will begin at 11 a.m. at the San Leandro Library.
Representatives from California's Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program will be on hand at the meetings to help answer questions. The program provides counselors trained to handle questions about Medicare, specifically its new drug program.
Medicare, the federal health insurance program for seniors and the disabled, will offer prescription drug coverage through new private plans and through Medicare-managed careplans. Nearly 60 plans are available in Stark's district, which includes the Tri- City area, Hayward and San Leandro.
In a recent flier to constituents, Stark wrote that he opposed the law that created the program because it provided inadequate drug benefits, is too complicated, and was established to maximize profits for the pharmaceutical and HMO companies.
Enrollment for the new drug program begins Nov. 15, and will be offered beginning Jan. 1. Most people have until mid-May 2006 to sign up for a plan before late enrollment penalties apply.
For information about Medicare, call (800) 633-4227 or log on to http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicare.
Source: Oakland Tribune
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