Former Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson Visits Manchester to Herald Success of New Medicare Drug Benefit
Posted on: Friday, 3 March 2006, 12:00 CST
MANCHESTER, N.H., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Tommy Thompson joined more than 100 seniors at the William B Cashin Senior Activity Center in Manchester today to herald the success of the new Medicare drug benefit.
In the sixty-two days since the new Medicare prescription drug benefit began, more than 25 million beneficiaries have lowered the cost of their medications, including 1.5 million who have signed up in the last 30 days. Recent enrollment figures show that nearly 50% of Medicare eligible beneficiaries in the state of New Hampshire have prescription drug coverage.
"Whether it's through Medicare Part D, stronger Medicare Advantage plans, or even union and private company plans being subsidized by Medicare, the simple fact remains that Medicare is working and it is delivering low cost medications for tens of millions of seniors," said Tommy G. Thompson, former Secretary of Health and Human Services and four term governor of Wisconsin. "Having worked on this issue very closely when I served as Secretary of Health and Human Services, I am pleased to see that every day we are successfully extending the promise of prescription drug coverage to all Medicare beneficiaries."
Joining Secretary Thompson at today's event was Margaret Smith, a local resident who spoke about the positive benefits of the program she has experienced since enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan. "I took the time to look into the plans that are available and working with the resources offered by the different agencies, I was able to pick the plan that is best for me," said Smith. "I've already noticed the difference in my costs. One medication that used to cost me $107 per month now costs $5. That is over $1,200 in savings each year."
Today's event was sponsored by the Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority (MHRA) and PocketBook Therapy. Also joining Thompson was Health and Human Services Regional Director, Brian Cresta, and a representative from the MHRA.
"In January alone, 1.5 million eligible Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the new drug benefit," said Cresta. "The rate of enrollment is encouraging because we know people are getting past some of the initial enrollment challenges and are truly receiving the benefits that they need and deserve. As we move forward, we anticipate more people hearing about the benefits from their friends and loved ones, and when that happens we expect to see a great surge in enrollment."
The Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority has been instrumental in helping many Manchester residents enroll in the new Medicare drug benefit. Through their PocketBook Therapy program, the MHRA is helping people take better advantage of existing resources for health care, insurance, utilities, and other financially based needs.
"Assisting those who qualify for the new Medicare drug benefit in the enrollment process is important to us at the Manchester Housing Authority," said Melvin Spierer, MSW, Elderly Outreach Specialist for MHRA. "We want to see that people who live on fixed incomes have the opportunity to increase their disposable income and decrease monetary strains in their life. Having access to more affordable medicines through Medicare Part D is one way for them to achieve a higher quality of life."
"The steady enrollment of seniors and people with disabilities in Part D combined with a much smoother first trip to the pharmacy is helping build success," said Thompson. "Medicare is now serving millions flawlessly and it is important to recognize the success stories that have resulted from the biggest change to Medicare since its inception so that other seniors seriously consider enrolling and realize that the benefit is there for them."
Enrollment for the Medicare drug benefit will continue through May 15, 2006 with benefits having begun on January 1, 2006. Secretary Thompson's appearance is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.
Tommy Thompson, the former Health and Human Services secretary and four- term governor of Wisconsin, is chairman of the new Deloitte Center for Healthcare Management and Transformation. In his role at the Center, Secretary Thompson is partnering with some of the world's foremost experts to develop innovative solutions to the health care challenges facing American families, businesses, communities, states and the nation as a whole. His appearance is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.
Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority (MHRA) provides a range of supportive services designed to allow the frail elderly and adults with disabilities to remain productive members within their community for as long as possible. This goal is pursued through the operation of several on-site programs such as PocketBook Therapy.
Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority
CONTACT: Clarissa Vandersteen, +1-202-361-3491, for the ManchesterHousing and Redevelopment Authority
Source: PRNewswire
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