Tuesday, August 23, 2005 -
The Daily Journal
Assemblywoman Patty Berg began efforts to help senior citizens and people with disabilities this week to get the best possible deal on medication as Medicare unveils its new prescription drug benefits.
In less than two months, the federal government will release details of the private prescription drug plans available to Medicare recipients. Those recipients, in turn, will have to select the plan that best fits their needs. The process is expected to be challenging and will have a long-term affect on individual healthcare costs for years to come, according to Berg.
"You have to decide," Berg states in a recently taped public service announcement, "but you don't have to do it alone."
The announcement, which is expected to be available to local television stations and cable outlets next week, urges recipients to contact the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program for free advice at 1-800-434-0222.
"I don't want anyone to throw up their hands and say this whole thing is too complicated," Berg said. "I want everyone to know that help is available."
The federal government will release a list of plans on Oct. 15 and Medicare recipients will have to determine which plan offers the best prices on the prescriptions they take. Plans may offer coverage for some drugs, but not others, according to Berg, and recipients will have to sort through the options to find a plan that best suits them.
On Nov. 15, recipients will be able to sign up for the plan of their choice and those who have not made a decision by May of 2006 could face higher costs on prescription drugs for years to come. Residents who receive assistance from Medicare and MediCal could be randomly assigned a plan if they have not selected one by Jan. 1, 2006, according to Berg's office.
Berg, who spent 20 years as executive director for Northern California's Area 1 Agency on Aging, currently serves as chairwoman of the Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care.
"Right now, we just need to be aware that changes are coming," she said. "You can start by making a list of all the medications you take and having it ready when it's time to pick a plan. And by all means, talk to the experts who are there waiting to help you."
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