Jay Rockefeller: “millions of seniors and disabled Americans are facing a major disruption in their health care when the Medicare…”

“millions of seniors and disabled Americans are facing a major disruption in their health care when the Medicare prescription drug law goes into effect on January 1, 2006. On that singular date, 6.4 million dual eligibles--individuals who are eligible for both Medicare and full Medicaid benefits--will lose their Medicaid prescription drug coverage regardless of whether they have obtained coverage through a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan and regardless of whether their Part D plan's coverage is as broad as their State's Medicaid coverage. Such a short transition period leaves no time to address the inevitable problems that will occur with a transition of this magnitude. Dual eligibles should have as smooth a transition as possible to Medicare prescription drug coverage. Unfortunately, a smooth transition is not what will happen under current law. The Medicare prescription drug law only requires a six-week transition period for dual eligibles, from November 15, 2005, to January 1, 2006. This is the largest transition of individuals from one insurance program to another, public or private, and it is unrealistic to believe that such a huge transition can take place in the span of six weeks. Moving a large number of seniors and people with disabilities to an entirely new system for prescription drug coverage is a major undertaking. Dual eligibles will require adequate outreach, education, and time to adjust to a change of this magnitude.”