Posted on 05/06/2006 8:46:56 AM PDT by Salvation
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For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 6, 2006
President's Radio Address
THE PRESIDENT: Good morning.
Today I want to talk with you about the new Medicare prescription drug coverage that went into effect at the start of this year. Everyone on Medicare is eligible for this new coverage, but the enrollment deadline of May 15th is just over a week away. For those of you with Medicare who have not yet signed up, it is important for you to review your options and choose a plan. By enrolling before the deadline, you can ensure the lowest possible premiums and start saving on your prescription drug bills.
Radio Address |
Radio Interviews |
Competition in the prescription drug market has been stronger than expected, and costs for seniors are lower than expected. The average premium that seniors pay is a third less than had been expected -- just $25 per month, instead of $37 per month. The typical person with Medicare who previously had no drug coverage will now spend about half of what he or she used to spend on prescription drugs, saving an average of $1,100 per year.
Low-income seniors receive extra help. For them, Medicare will now cover, on average, more than 95 percent of the costs of their prescription drugs. Thanks to this new coverage, America's seniors are now getting the modern medicine they need, at prices they can afford.
Prescription drug coverage under Medicare is also giving our seniors more and better choices for their health care. Instead of having to accept a "one size fits all" plan, seniors are now choosing from a variety of drug plans, and they're finding the one that best fits their needs. Most seniors are able to choose their plans that have low premiums, low or no deductibles, fixed co-payments for most drugs, and affordable coverage to fill in coverage gaps.
Medicare prescription drug coverage is a great deal for seniors. So today, I am encouraging those of you who still have not enrolled to take a look at your options and sign up before the May 15th deadline in order to ensure the lowest premiums. Even if you do not have significant drug expenses now, you should consider joining a Medicare drug plan to protect yourself against high prescription drug bills down the road.
There are many ways you can get help to choose a drug plan and enroll. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for help. You can speak with a Medicare counselor 24 hours a day at 1-800-MEDICARE. You can enroll online by visiting the official Medicare website at Medicare.gov. If you need help enrolling, citizens' groups like AARP and NAACP, faith-based organizations, health professionals, and pharmacies are working to answer questions. Between now and May 15th, events will be held across the country to answer your questions and help you enroll for the new drug coverage. And if you have family or friends on Medicare, you can help too. Helping can be as simple as showing an older neighbor how to fill out a form, helping a senior use the Internet, or making a call for your mom or dad.
I was proud to sign Medicare prescription drug coverage into law. Because we acted, America now has a Medicare system to fit the needs of the 21st century, and millions of American seniors and persons with disabilities are now saving a lot of money and receiving the modern health care they deserve. Over the coming days, we will continue working to make sure that everyone with Medicare has a chance to save money and enjoy the peace of mind that this new drug coverage brings.
Thank you for listening.
END
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Do not enroll with **AARP**. They are a left-leaning, Bush-bashing organization.
I suggest that all who have note enrolled call their Senior Services Division in their state. They have people standing by to offer assistance..............and they give an unbiased chart from the least expensive plan to the more expensive plans.
I was able to enroll on this last Thursday and my Plan D coverage will begin on June 1st!
Was this the most important thing he could have talked about today?
George is very, very proud of expanding the welfare state of his model predecessors, FDR and LBJ.
Some time in 2007 Bush will have to give a speech explaining how drug companies, who have raised the cost of drugs due to the fact thay are now unofficially on the govt. dole, are not the bad guys because they are being subsidized by his great Medicare Drug plan.
I am one who has not yet signed up. My current Lipitor is $54.00 per month to me after my co-medical insurance plan chips in $6.00. Under their plan I would pay $28.00 a month with a $250.00 deductible each year. And then I don't know how much of the $54.00 would be covered.
I remember how medical care and prescription drugs were affordable by everyone until the government went into the business with Medicare. Look for the same thing to happen with prescription drugs. They are extremely high now, but just wait!
It sounds like you have a wonderful prescription coverage plan and really don't need this.
Yes, with one week away and considering all the Bush Bashing Medicare D crap that has been spread, Yes!!! Because it has been very confusing to some seniors and it should not have been and it isn't confusing!
I understand Medicare D does not have a 250.00 deductible - your coverage starts immediately, with a co-pay ----- then when you reach $2,??? (it is between 2000 and 3000) there is what the dems are calling a 'donut hole' you pay all out of pocket until you reach $3,600 then it goes to 95% govt and 5% self.
At least that is what my Medicare D plan is with a $22.00 monthly premium.
Would I prefer to not have the govt. involved, yes!!! but they are!!!!
Would you mind telling me what plan you've enrolled in please?
I just called Medicare to make certain I understand enough to share my understanding of the Medicare D plan
Medicare #1800 -633-4227 after you have established you want to talk drugs -- say live person or person or talk - until you get a person to talk with. I had a doll! and she cleared up some misconceptions I had.
Just before I turned 65 I recd information from AARP
My dislike for AARP almost kept me from responding, but their power behind them and the information I got from my sister-in-law decided me to call.
I knew I wanted Fee For Service.
No reason to cut off my nose to spite my face ....
In Hawaii AARP negotiated with United Healthcare.
Blue Cross, Humana, and Aetna are other health ins. co
But it is important to remember cost vary in areas due to population,cost,demand.
I chose United Healthcare for my supplemental - plan J - which included a drug program. $250. deductible and a ceiling of around $3,000. Then it stopped for good until the next year.
Then, I believe, congress ruled all medicare must carry drug insurance. Hence the birth of D.
So AARP negotiated here and I ended up closing out the drug portion of my supplemental plan J and opting for Medicare D.
The government does NOT pay. United Healthcare will be billed. BUT my premium can be deducted from my sos check if I choose.
Sooo what did it get me -------
My drug portion of J was almost $60.00 per month
My Medicare D will be just under $23.00 (that varies from area to area even with United Healthcare but I think the range is just under $23. to under $34.00)
It is my understanding that all
there is no deductible with Medicare D, a co-pay, depending upon the drug, with Ins paying 100% until you reach $2,200something, then Ins. stops until you have paid aprox $1,200 out of pocket reaching $3,600 and then Insurance again kicks in paying out 95% and you pay the 5% --- that is the do-nut hole you hear about.
I'm open to be corrected!!
God bless you, malia, for taking the time to help me. I will call the number you gave me on Monday. Thank you so much for taking the time to explain all this to me.
What happens if you have to get more expensive medications in the future? Just something to think about.
**and it isn't confusing!**
Absolutely not! I think it only took me 30-45 minutes with the lady at Senior Services in my state.
Everyone needs to call and make an appointment.
Thank you!
what did you find out?
Well, I am signing up with my Blue Cross supplemental insurance for my medicare D plan. There is a deductible of $250.00, but it works out that there is a small savings in the few prescriptions I have. I spent all of Monday either on the phone, or at SS ofice until I was convinced of what I should do. Everyone has been most helpful, including you. Thank you again for getting me off the dime. God bless. p.
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