Phil Gingrey: “I rise today to encourage seniors across America to learn about Medicare part D, the new voluntary prescription drug…”

“I rise today to encourage seniors across America to learn about Medicare part D, the new voluntary prescription drug benefit available to all seniors. Tuesday marked the first day seniors could enroll in Medicare part D. Enrollment continues through May 15, 2006, and coverage begins January 1, 2006. Finally, seniors in our communities will have better access to the medication they need to stay well. Seniors can sign up today by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by visiting the Web site www.medicare.gov. Seniors who want to sign up should have several pieces of information on hand: a list of the medications they are currently taking; information about any prescription drug coverage they may currently have, be it employer, union or a Medigap policy; the name and address of a local pharmacy they will use to fill prescriptions; the out-of-pocket amount they spend on prescription drugs each year; finally, seniors should have their Medicare enrollment information readily available. As a physician, I know that providing our seniors with prescription drug coverage will be beneficial to their health and to their wallets. I am glad Medicare now works to prevent disease as well as treat it. ____________________”