Tina Smith: “today I am proud to file the Medicare Part D Outreach and Enrollment Enhancement Act of 2006. This timely piece of…”

“today I am proud to file the Medicare Part D Outreach and Enrollment Enhancement Act of 2006. This timely piece of legislation addresses two very targeted administrative issues that have come to light since Medicare's new prescription drug benefit became effective earlier this year. I am also pleased that Senator Bingaman is joining on this bill. With more than 30 million beneficiaries now receiving coverage through Medicare Part D, the program is well on its way to helping deliver much needed access to lower cost prescription drugs. And with the close of the initial enrollment period on May 15 looming, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and advocacy organizations across the country are working diligently to provide last minute assistance to those beneficiaries still wishing to enroll. However, even after the May 15 deadline passes, beneficiaries will still need counsel on the program's benefits, including the availability of the low-income subsidy. For instance, dual eligible beneficiaries and those who previously received assistance through a Medicare Savings Program have the ability to change their prescription drug plan monthly. This particularly vulnerable group of beneficiaries likely will need extra assistance in choosing a plan that more appropriately meets their medical and financial needs. There also are those beneficiaries who will age into Medicare throughout the year.…”