SYRACUSE, N.Y., April 24, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Some 1,861,126 New Yorkers are now enrolled in prescription drug plans through Medicare, according to numbers recently released by the federal government. This number includes those signed up for stand-alone prescription drug plans and for Medicare managed care plans that include prescription coverage.
Of the 2.8 million Medicare beneficiaries in New York, 64 percent (1.8 million beneficiaries) now have some kind of drug coverage.
"The increasing enrollment numbers show that the savings and peace of mind that the new Medicare drug program offers are real and worth the time and effort to understand," says William R. Abrams, executive director of the Medical Society of the State of New York.
The Medicare Rx Access Network of New York is reminding still-eligible New Yorkers that the deadline for open enrollment is May 15. Those who sign up after May 15 may be subject to paying higher premiums.
Medicare expanded its benefits to include prescription drug coverage on January 1, 2006. This was the biggest expansion of Medicare benefits in the program's four-decade history.
"Reaching out to eligible beneficiaries in New York about the new coverage has been no small task," says pharmacist Jack Pross, owner of Lyncourt Drug in Syracuse. "Seniors should know there is help available for selecting a plan that's right for them."
Beneficiaries and their family members with enrollment and coverage questions can get assistance by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-433-6227), by visiting www.Medicare.gov and by calling New York's Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) at 1-800-333-4114.
Prescription drug coverage is available to everyone in Medicare, regardless of income or how they get their Medicare coverage. In New York, some 21 organizations offer stand-alone prescription drug plans, and at least 19 organizations offer Medicare managed care plans that include prescription coverage. Extra assistance is available to people in Medicare with limited incomes and resources.
Currently, there are 51 member organizations participating in the Medicare Rx Access Network of New York that represent seniors, patients, people with disabilities and chronic diseases, pharmacists, healthcare providers and businesses. The network provides information and assistance with outreach and education for the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Members share an interest in educating Medicare beneficiaries about the new Medicare prescription drug benefit and work closely with the appropriate agencies to obtain up-to-date information to ensure that information disseminated by the network about Medicare Part D is factual and accurately conveyed and to equip beneficiaries and their caregivers to make informed choices. By sharing information with each other about member organizations' independent efforts, collaborating on activities, and identifying ways to work together, the network aims to eliminate duplication of efforts and maximize the effectiveness of outreach efforts. The network does not engage in legislative activities or take positions on pending legislative or administrative policies related to the Part D benefit and its implementation. The Medicare Rx Access Network of New York is part of the national Medicare Rx Education Network, which is chaired by former U.S. Senator John Breaux.
The Medicare Rx Access Network of New York logo is available at http://www.primezone.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=1950