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Dole Reassures Low-Income Seniors Extra Help is Available in Medicare Drug Coverage During Latest Podcast

Posted on: Tuesday, 5 September 2006, 12:01 CDT

WASHINGTON, Sept. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Former Senator and health care advocate Bob Dole made available today the sixth episode in his podcast series, Ten Things Seniors Need to Know about Medicare's Drug Coverage. This episode, which can be downloaded at http://www.bobdoleonmedicare.com/, as well as on iTunes and other podcast directories, explains how Medicare has taken the proper precautions to help qualifying seniors access their medicines at a reduced cost.

Senator Dole, who has been promoting the benefit for the last two and a half years on his educational tour, describes how Medicare is increasing the savings of their beneficiaries with low incomes and limited assets by offering additional assistance with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and co- payments to those that qualify. "We've waited 40 years for this," said Senator Dole. "Medicare was passed in 1965 and at that time there was an effort to add drugs to the Medicare bill, but it failed, so we've waited 40 years now and if you're in the low income bracket ... most of the drugs you receive are going to be paid for."

Deputy Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), Leslie Norwalk, again joined Senator Dole in this week's podcast, letting seniors know that Medicare has taken the proper precautions to ensure that beneficiaries with low incomes will be able to afford their medicines. "We know that many Medicare beneficiaries need additional help because they have limited incomes ... consequently it is really important that we provide them with additional help and that is there in this program. So, while all beneficiaries can sign-up for this benefit, those who need additional help can get it," said Norwalk.

Also featured in this episode is David Winslow, a Medicare beneficiary from Columbus, OH, explains how Medicare has provided relief to his family which is on a limited income. "The cost of my medicine was a concern when I lost my insurance and retired," said Winslow. "My wife and I are on a limited income and so, you kind of watch your pennies and getting some relief on the cost of medications is a big help."

To determine whether or not a beneficiary qualifies for the extra help, call Social Security 1-800-772-1213 or visit their Web site at http://www.ssa.gov/. To listen to podcast episodes or to view the Top Ten list, visit http://www.bobdoleonmedicare.com/. For more information about Medicare prescription drug coverage, log onto http://www.medicare.gov/, the official CMSWeb site, or call the CMS hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Senator Bob Dole served the people of Kansas for over 35 years as both a member of the United States House of Representatives and as a United States Senator. During his years in the Senate, he served as both Majority and Minority Leader, during which time he influenced many of the health care, Social Security and Medicare debates. During his leadership, he also worked to save Social Security in 1983.

Senator Dole's nationwide speaking tour, from which this podcast is derived, is sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

Bob Dole on Medicare

CONTACT: Scott Shadiow, +1-317-432-9210, for Bob Dole on Medicare

Web site: http://www.bobdoleonmedicare.com/http://www.medicare.gov/http://www.ssa.gov/

Source: PRNewswire

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