Since the start of the year, Medicare beneficiaries throughout the country have been eligible to participate in the new Medicare prescription drug program. 

While no one should feel pressured into making a quick decision, Medicare beneficiaries need to be aware of the May 15 deadline to sign up.  After that, the earliest date to enroll is November 15, at which time seniors will be subject to a minimum seven percent penalty in their monthly premiums.  For seniors who sign up even later, the penalty increases by an additional one percent each month.  The higher premiums remain in place for the entire duration of the person's enrollment in the program. 

Congress passed the measure creating the new program in 2003.  I voted against this law based on the firm belief that the drug program is insufficient, far too complicated and designed to benefit special interests more than the seniors it should be helping.  To address these serious concerns, I am working with my colleagues in Congress to remedy some of the immediate and long-term problems with the new program. 

To give seniors more time to make the best choice, I'm supporting a measure called the Medicare Informed Choice Act that would extend the existing penalty-free six-month open enrollment period that currently ends May 15 to December 31.  The measure would also give every beneficiary the opportunity to make a one-time change in plan enrollment at any point in 2006.  Currently, for the 2006 plan year only, Medicare beneficiaries who find themselves enrolled in the wrong plan can switch once before May 15.  In general, however, under the new program, beneficiaries may only switch plans between November 15 and December 31 each year for coverage beginning January 1 of the following year.  The Medicare Informed Choice Act would also protect retirees from being dropped by their former employer's plan in the event they mistakenly enroll in a new private drug plan this year. 

To significantly reduce prescription drug prices for seniors, I am fighting to pass the Medicare Prescription Drug Savings and Choice Act.  The measure would require Medicare to negotiate with drug companies for lower group prices, which is prohibited under the current law.  The legislation would also reduce the complexity of the prescription drug program by giving Medicare beneficiaries the option of enrolling in a nationwide drug plan provided directly by Medicare - not by a private insurance company.  The premium, deductible, co-payments, and covered drugs would be uniform across the country.

As I work in Congress to improve the existing prescription drug program and do all I can to protect and improve Medicare, I want beneficiaries to know about the resources available to help them make an informed decision. 

Eligible seniors and people with disabilities with limited incomes should call the Social Security Administration at (800) 772-1213 or visit http://www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp to find out if they qualify for extra assistance.  Those who qualify typically pay no premiums, have lower co-payments and have no gap in drug coverage. 

Medicare beneficiaries in Los Angeles can also speak with counselors at the Center for Health Care Rights at 1 (800) 824-0780 or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at (800) 633-4227.  Information is also online at www.calmedicare.org and www.medicare.gov.  In addition, my caseworkers in Los Angeles are available to help by calling (213) 628-9230.

Prescription drugs are an integral part of medical treatment today.  Given this reality, I urge Medicare beneficiaries to be aware of the upcoming deadlines and to take advantage of the resources available to help them make the best decision about their prescription drug needs.

(Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard's office offers a wide variety of services to the community, including financial aid workshops, a service academy workshop, a scholarship directory and constituent casework services to assist district residents in resolving problems with federal agencies such as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Social Security Administration, the Internal Revenue Service and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.  More information about federal services can be obtained by visiting Congresswoman Roybal-Allard's web site at www.house.gov/roybal-allard or by calling her district office at (213) 628-9230.)