WASHINGTON ENCOURAGES SIGN UP FOR NEW BENEFIT PROGRAM 

          PHILADELPHIA, October 17 – State Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Phila.) is encouraging Medicare beneficiaries to sign up for the new drug benefit program that starts January 1, 2006. 

          “I want beneficiaries to know that they can get help paying their monthly premiums, deductibles and co-payments under the new prescription drug program,” Washington said. “People can start to sign up as early as November 15th.”

          There are roughly thirty million beneficiaries who will receive drugs from either a Medicare drug plan or from employer coverage subsidized by Medicare.

          Washington added that she is concerned however, that many beneficiaries don’t understand the new Medicare plan and may be uncomfortable with signing up. 

          “No one will be forced to sign up,” Washington explained, “but if those who are first eligible don’t, they will have to pay a late penalty if they change their minds later.” 

          Washington also noted that the penalty will be higher payments for all future premiums.

          The new benefit program is known as Part D – and anyone who wants drug coverage must join a Medicare-approved private insurance drug plan during the enrollment period.

          The first day of the six-month initial enrollment period is November 15, 2005 and runs until May 15, 2006. Coverage begins January 1, 2006.