Dusty Johnson: “today I have joined Senator Corzine to introduce the Medicare Do Not Call Act. I am pleased to cosponsor this important…”

“today I have joined Senator Corzine to introduce the Medicare Do Not Call Act. I am pleased to cosponsor this important legislation which will protect Medicare beneficiaries from being subjected to telemarketing campaigns related to the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program. The Part D program will begin in January 2006, and as many of my colleagues are already aware, this program will turn the administration of the benefit over to health insurance companies. Between now and January 1, 2006, Medicare beneficiaries will receive a great deal of information from the Federal Government, insurance companies, and local organizations regarding how to sign up for the program. Many beneficiaries have already received information about the low-income coverage options. Just last week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced which health plans have been approved to offer the benefit. In South Dakota, there will be 18 companies offering the stand-alone prescription drug plan or PDP. Three companies will offer the Medicare Advantage plan, which is an HMO or Health Maintenance Organization type plan. Starting in October, all of these companies will be allowed to start marketing their plans. While I do think it is important for seniors to have access to information about the various options, I do not think it is OK for these companies to be promoting their products through aggressive telemarketing campaigns.…”