By Mary Malloy
"I share the concern of many pharmacists and health care advocates that low-income Medicare beneficiaries will again have trouble getting prescriptions drugs next month, as they did this past January," McCarthy said, adding that simplifying the plan would be one of her top priorities in the coming year. For now, she said, seniors should know that they can still change their plans or to reapply for extra help in 2007, even if they have received it in the past year.
"Many seniors are unaware of the drastic price increase they will face if they do not re-apply," McCarthy said. "These seniors, who are on an extremely tight budget, will not be able to afford their prescriptions without the assistance of extra help."
Deane Beebe, spokeswoman for Medicare Rights Center, a New York-based national consumer service organization, said there are 61 stand-alone private drug plans in New York state, and 29 private health plans offering drug coverage on a county-to-county basis. "Plans are changing all the time," she said. "Even if it worked for you in 2006, see if it will work for you in 2007. Will the same drugs be covered? Are there any new restrictions? Ask these questions."
Medicare Part D was created when Congress passed the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act in 2003. It went into effect last Jan. 1. "Speaking as a nurse, we have many new wonder drugs," said McCarthy. "The key is to make sure they are available and affordable to our seniors."
"It is already a sad commentary that some seniors have to choose between food or medicine," said Herb Williams, 77, of Hempstead. "Even with insurance, the price of meds is steadily going up." Williams, who is still working and is covered by private insurance, said that if he had to depend on Medicare alone, he would be "in serious trouble."
"It's time for Congress to eliminate the asset test for extra help and make this subsidy automatic, to ensure that millions of low-income Americans can afford the Medicare drug benefit offered through private drug plans," said Robert M. Hayes, president of the Medicare Rights Center.
All Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Part D plan should check with their provider to make sure they have the best coverage at the best price. Seniors may change plans until Dec. 31 without penalty.
Comments about this story? MMalloy@liherald.com, or (516) 569-4000 ext. 202.
