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Medicare's Drug Plan Explained A National Tour Stops in the Midlands to Answer Questions About the New Part D.For More Information

Posted on: Friday, 26 August 2005, 21:00 CDT

It may take more than a village to help the millions on Medicare sort out by May whether and how to enroll in the government's new prescription drug coverage.

But if a lot of villagers start now -- and start small -- it can be done.

And it will be worth the temporary hassle.

That was Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt's message in Omaha on Thursday, part of a national bus tour that also stopped in Lincoln and Des Moines to promote the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Leavitt asked adult children, neighbors, pharmacists, doctors and others to help their favorite senior citizens understand the new benefit, with help from the volunteers and professionals already trained.

"Start with your own family," Leavitt told those gathered at Omaha's Westside Community Conference Center.

More than 100 people -- many of them with gray or white hair -- packed the room as Leavitt shared the microphone with U.S. Rep. Lee Terry, Lt. Gov. Rick Sheehy and Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey.

"There's an obligation on us to teach people in our communities about this," Terry said.

The new coverage, called Part D and established by 2003's Medicare Modernization Act, has been described as the biggest change in Medicare's 40-year history.

Since President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law in 1965, the taxpayer-supported federal health insurance has covered doctor visits and hospital treatments for senior citizens and the disabled. But it has never covered prescription drugs, including those proven to lower risk for major health problems. Leavitt described the new coverage as an investment in prevention that could eventually improve the nation's health and reduce health care spending.

Starting in January, the new drug coverage will replace the Medicare drug discount cards begun last year as a temporary help for those without drug coverage. It also will replace Medicaid prescription coverage for people who are on both Medicare and Medicaid.

Much like private insurance, Medicare Part D will cover certain generic and name-brand prescription drugs in exchange for co- payments, deductibles and monthly premiums from those enrolled.

Health experts estimate that the coverage will lead to substantial savings for many senior citizens -- especially the poorest, who will pay almost nothing if they apply for financial assistance. A new report from Medicare Today estimates that the average Nebraskan or Iowan who enrolls will save more than $600 in out-of-pocket drug costs each year and that low-income Nebraskans and Iowans will save more than $1,300 on average each year.

Private companies will offer Medicare-approved drug plans in each state. Details are expected in October.

Enrollment begins Nov. 15. It's not mandatory, but those who lack comparable coverage now and decide after May 15 that they want Medicare's coverage will have to pay more to get it -- 1 percent higher premiums for every month they delay.

One woman in the audience Thursday asked whether her husband, who takes one prescription drug now, should enroll before May 15 or skip the coverage until he needs it and risk paying a higher premium.

"Enroll now," Leavitt advised. "It's a lot like if you bought life insurance but waited to buy it until just before you used it. It would be very expensive."

For more information Attend a free educational seminar next Thursday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Holiday Convention Centre, 3321 S. 72nd St. U.S. Rep. Lee Terry and officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will discuss the new Medicare drug coverage and answer questions from senior citizens, their families and others. For other resources, previous stories and audio from Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt

Source: Omaha World - Herald

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