Controversy Follows Medicare Drug Plan Despite Enrollment Claims

April 21, 2006 – Despite the satisfaction expressed by the Bush Administration with Medicare drug plan enrollment and polls saying many senior citizens are happy with their plan, the controversy will not die. The Administration announced yesterday that 30 million now have coverage but critics say millions are not covered and the Wall Street Journal challenges the Administration numbers. And, according to the daily report from KaiserNet.org, the Los Angeles Times reports that not only are the rates for the drug program set to increase by 7 percent next year, the size of the "doughnut hole" may also be enlarged. Read more...

Medicare Says 30 Million Senior Citizens Now Have Drug Coverage

Over 93 million prescriptions filled in March; stand-alones jump 1.7 million

April 20, 2006 – With the deadline for enrollment only days away (May 15), Medicare announced today that more than 30 million Medicare beneficiaries are receiving prescription drug coverage, including more than 8 million beneficiaries who have gotten new, individual prescription drug coverage since the program began. More than 93 million prescriptions were filled for  beneficiaries during March - averaging 3 million prescriptions filled per day. Read more...

Senators Push for Vote to Extend Medicare Drug Program Deadline

House sponsor fears a vote because House may repeal the program

April 20, 2006 – While Senators are pushing hard for a vote on a bill to extend the Medicare drug program enrollment deadline past May 15, Rep. Pete Stark (D-Calif.) is not pushing hard on his bill in the House. He says the Bush administration should extend the deadline without legislative action because, he says, the House may repeal the whole program. In other news, insurance companies are mailing letters to senior citizens threatening to cut off prescription drug service for non-payment, while many of the seniors say they have paid, according to a report by KaiserNet.org. Read more...

Initiative to Improve Pharmacy Service for Medicare Drug Program Launched

Less confusion, less time at pharmacy, faster access to drugs

April 19, 2006 – Several associations representing private insurance, pharmacists and drug stores say they have a plan to improve the Medicare drug program services by making it less confusing, speeding up service at the pharmacy and giving senior citizens faster access to the drugs they need. It will also help pharmacists by improving communications concerning the status of drugs covered by Medicare. Read more...

Senior Citizens Can Save Billions If Brand-Name Drug-Makers Don't Stop Generics

Pharmacy Benefit Managers see Medicare saving $23 billion in 5 years

April 18, 2006 – Senior citizens and the Medicare Part D program could potentially save more than $23 billion dollars over the next five years as at least 14 major brand-name drugs commonly used by seniors are slated to become available in generic form. Standing in the way, however, is the powerful lobby for the pharmaceutical companies that make name-brand drugs. Read more...

Medicare Drug Plan Deadline Extension Not Legal, Says CMS

April 18, 2006 – With the May 15 deadline for enrolling in the Medicare Drug Program less than a month away, the voices begging for an extensions are growing louder, but the deputy administrator at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services says there is no legal way to extend the deadline. The media, too, seems to have increased its interest in the program, including the announcement that rates are going up about seven percent in 2007, according to a round-up of Medicare news by KaiserNet.org. Read more...

Choose Carefully as Medicare Drug Benefit Deadline Nears on May 15

Kaiser Family Foundation finds wide variations across plans

April 14, 2006 - Medicare’s new private stand-alone drug plans vary significantly – in terms of covered drugs, out-of-pocket costs for specific medications, and restrictions placed on the use of certain drugs - according to a new analysis released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Read more...

Final Medicare Enrollment Effort Begins Monday Across the U.S.

Hundreds of events planned for 'Medicare Rx Get Enrolled Week'

April 12, 2006 – With the deadline for enrollment for the Medicare drug program looming – May 15 – and new polls showing satisfaction with the program, a week-long grassroots effort is being held April 17-23 in all 50 states and Washington D.C. to help senior citizens get enrolled. Medicare Today, a national partnership of more than 400 organizations, today announced "Medicare Rx Get Enrolled Week." Medicare experts and volunteers will provide seniors with the information they need to make decisions about enrollment in Medicare's prescription drug benefit. Read more...

Brand-Name Drug Prices Out-Strip Inflation Again in 2005

Sixth year in a row for brand-names to beat inflation; generics cut prices

April 10, 2006 – The brand-name prescription drugs most widely used by America's senior citizens increased prices higher than the general rate of inflation in 2005 – for the sixth year in a row. The latest results of the survey by AARP's "Rx Watchdog" were released today and show the average price increase of 193 brand-name drugs was 6 percent last year, when inflation was just 3.4 percent. Generic drugs actually experienced a price decrease. Read more...

Local Counselors Get $30 Million to Help Seniors Enroll in Medicare Drug Program

CMS gives extra funds for SHIPs as May 15 enrollment deadline nears

April 5, 2006 - Today the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) will receive $30 million to help people with Medicare make decisions on the drug program. This additional funding extends local help until May 15, when the enrollment period for 2006 ends, and during the next annual enrollment period beginning in November for drug coverage that will begin in January 2007. Read more..

Medicare Targets Changes for 2007 Drug Program, Limits Insurers to Two Plans

One pharmacist drops out of program due to low reimbursements and payment delays

April 4, 2006 – The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services yesterday issued a fact sheet outlining quality improvements proposed for the Medicare prescription drug plan in 2007 that says insurance companies will be limited to two plans, unless offering plans that fill coverage gaps in the drug benefit. The quality improvement statement comes as at least one pharmacist drops out of the program, according to a report by KaiserNet.org. Read more...

Survey Says Vast Majority Satisfied with Medicare Drug Program

April 3, 2006 - Four out of five senior citizens who have voluntarily signed up for the Medicare prescription drug program are satisfied with their coverage, according to a new survey commissioned by the Medicare Rx Education Network. A majority of these seniors report feeling better off than they were before and say they are saving money. Read more...

Illinois Governor Urges Seniors to Lower Drug Costs with Creative Illinois Cares Rx

HHS Secretary could use this program as example, as he urges states to be innovative in helping seniors with healthcare

April 3, 2006 - Illinois Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today urged Illinois seniors to join the Illinois Cares Rx program, which is designed to fill in the gaps in coverage of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. It is one of the unique state programs in the U.S. that is helping senior citizens, particularly those of limited means, to afford the medicines they need for survival. HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt, who on Friday urged states to use innovative approaches to provide health insurance and long-term care, may want to point to this program as one good example. Read more...

Peoples Benefit is First Charged With Deceiving Seniors on Medicare Drug Plan

Pennsylvania attorney general hits ads that imply government endorsement

Nov. 2, 2005 - Attorney General Tom Corbett today filed a civil lawsuit and a special injunction against Pennsylvania-based Peoples Benefit Services Inc., accusing the company of deceiving thousands of mostly older consumers by falsely implying that its discount drug cards and other products are government-endorsed insurance plans that offer "members" significant savings on prescription drugs, family medical and/or dental "coverage." Read more...

Medicare Details Actions to Assure Dual Eligibles Enroll in Drug Program

Nov. 2, 2005 – Medicare today detailed the actions being taken to assure that “dual eligibles” – those senior citizens who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid – are enrolled in the prescription drug program (Medicare Part D) and receive the financial assistance for which they qualify. The enrollment of these beneficiaries has been a major concern of many advocacy groups. Read more...

Medicare Drug Prescriptions Must Be Sent Electronically

New e-prescribing designed for improved safety, service

Nov. 1, 2005 - HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt today announced adoption by regulation of a set of standards for the electronic prescription of Part D drugs, which he says will make the use of prescription drugs easier and safer for Medicare beneficiaries. Read more...

Early Look at Medicare Drug Plan Marketing Finds it Unduly Complicated

The Century Foundation issues brief on the good, bad and ugly

Oct. 29, 2005 – The insurance companies are now busy contacting senior citizens about the prescription drug plans they will be offering on November 15 under the auspices of the new Medicare Part D – the prescription drug benefit. The plans do not become effective until January 1, but The Century Foundation has released a report on the early marketing of the plans and finds the drug benefit “overly expensive and unduly complicated.” Read more...

Floridians Moving from HMOs to PPOs, Cost May Reverse Trend

Florida's senior citizens see 18 companies offering 43 drug plans

Oct. 24, 2005 – A study of the Florida market – often a good indicator of the senior citizen market in the U.S. – shows HMO enrollment has slipped as the line blurs between HMOs and PPOs. But, more HMOs are entering the state and the HealthLeaders-InterStudy suggests the swing by employers may return to HMOs as pressure increases to control costs. Read more...

Medicare Preparing Online Tools to Help Decide on Drug Plan Insurance

Currently being used to help educate those who will assist senior citizens

Oct. 18, 2005 - Medicare is developing interactive tools online that will provide detailed information on prescription drug plan options for senior citizens and allow online enrollment when it begins on November 15. They said today the Prescription Drug Plan Finder will be ready for full use “well before enrollment begins.” Read more...

Medicare Handbook Error Fuels Argument that Program Confusing

Oct. 7, 2005 - The "Medicare and You" handbook, which all senior citizens should receive shortly, mistakenly says low-income beneficiaries will be able to enroll in any prescription drug plan available in their area without paying premiums, according to the KaiserNetwork.org Daily Report on Thursday. Critics say it is proof of how confusing the program is to senior citizens. Read more...

New Senior Survey

Medicare Faces a 'Rocky Road' in Enrolling Seniors in New Drug Benefit

1% Penalty For Delay a Strong Incentive for Encouraging Enrollment

Oct. 6, 2005 – A new survey of senior citizens says only 20 percent plan to enroll for the new prescription drug program, officially known as Medicare Part D. The researchers say, however, “significant opportunity exists among one-fourth of the respondents who "haven't heard enough information yet to decide." These results are similar to several other polls showing a cautious approach by seniors and a lack of knowledge my many. Read more...

How to Detect a Medicare Drug Plan Scam

Consumer group sounds warning about criminals posing as plan representatives

Oct. 6, 2005 - Since legitimate marketing for the federal program began last week, consumers across the nation are becoming aware that, starting in January 2006, Medicare will begin to offer coverage for prescription drugs. As prescription drug plans, consumer and health advocates, industry, and the government begin to send information about the new drug benefit out to the public, senior citizens will need to know how to tell if they are dealing with a reliable resource. Read more, also other information from CMS....

Seniors Should Consider Company Insurance Options Before Jumping to Medicare Drug Plan

Medicare offering subsidies to companies, unions to help pay for prescription drugs

Oct. 5, 2005 – Medicare eligible senior citizens still in the workforce or covered in retirement by a company or union health plan with prescription drug benefits should not enroll in the Medicare Part D drug program until they understand the options available through their company insurance, since Medicare is offering subsidy payments to companies that may cause them to revise their plans. This suggestion is from Watson Wyatt Worldwide, a leading “human capital” consulting firm in their report on trends in health care benefit costs issued as annual enrollment nears for company insurance. Read more...

Foundation Releases Analysis of New Drug Plan for Senior Citizens

“Straight Answers on Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage” available online

Oct. 3, 2005 – For the next few months, millions of senior citizens will be wrestling with the decisions that must be made pertaining to the Medicare prescription drug benefit, known as Medicare Part D. Policy experts, however, are trying to judge how effective the program will be in its primary goal - to fill the existing gap in coverage for prescription drugs while keeping the rising costs of Medicare under control. Although virtually everyone agrees that Medicare needed a drug benefit, the details of the coverage that Congress enacted under the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) are staggeringly complex and controversial. Read more...

See your state's drug plans

New Medicare Drug Plans Include Surprise Options, Benefits, Lower Cost: New Release

CMS issues coverage options available in each state for seniors

Sept. 30, 2005 – Health and Human Services, bubbling with enthusiasm at the coverage insurance companies are designing for senior citizens in Medicare, in particular the new prescription drug coverage, issued a news release today highlighting the additional benefits and lower costs to be offered. Medicare, at the same time, issued the options available in each state (see chart below). The bad news it just presents more options for senior citizens, many who are already confused. Read more...

Florida Blue Cross Adds Dental, Other Discounts to Medicare Part D Drug Plan

Insurers adding new bells and whistles to attract senior citizens

Sept. 30, 2005 – As the insurance companies roll out their pitches on their Medicare Drug Plan offerings, seniors are beginning to see more than they expected. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, for example, today announced that enrollees in their new BlueScript for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans will receive discounts on prescriptions drugs, as well as dental, eldercare and other health services. Read more...

Humana, State Farm Join Forces to Offer Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

Strategic alliance expands Humana's ability to reach Medicare beneficiaries

Sept. 30, 2005 – The Medicare Drug Plan (Part D) is one of the biggest opportunities for insurance companies in years – if not ever – and the big companies are all looking for a way in and an advantage. Today, Humana Inc. and State Farm, the nation's largest property and casualty insurer, announced a “strategic alliance” whereby State Farm agents will be able to offer Humana's Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP) to their 7.5 million Medicare-eligible customers. Read more...

Minnesota Poll Confirms Seniors Need Medicare Drug Plan Information

National poll also shows seniors taking a 'wait-and-see' approach

Sept. 30, 2005 – A poll of senior citizens in Minnesota shows that one in four of those 65 years and older has enough information to even make a decision on the new Medicare prescription drug program. That is only slightly fewer than in the Kaiser Health Poll, a national poll released a month ago. The Kaiser poll suggested 33 percent have adequate information about the program that begins January 1. Read more...

Kaiser Plans Live Q&A Webcast on Medicare Drug Program

The Foundation also has begun a weekly Q&A column

Sept. 28, 2005 – The Kaiser Family Foundation, which does an outstanding job of providing information about Medicare, will sponsor a live Webcast – “Ask the Experts” – on Thursday, October 6 at 2 p.m. ETZ, that will feature a discussion about the new prescription drug program. Kaiser has also launched a weekly Q&A column about Medicare Part D. Read more...

Marketing Begins Oct. 1

Medicare Approves Drug, Advantage Plans Submitted by Insurers

Says prescription drug plans costing under $20 approved in 49 states

Sept.23, 2005 – The show is about to begin. Medicare today formally approved the prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans which will be marketed to senior citizens for the coverage that starts on January 1. Read more...

Details Issued by State on New Prescription Drug Plans

Sept. 23, 2005 – Medicare today formally approved the prescription drug plans and Advantage plans submitted by companies wishing to offer these options to senior citizens and others covered by the program. They also issued news releases for each state with some details about the programs to be offered in each state. Read more...

More Than Three Million Apply for Medicare Prescription Drug Help

Sept. 23, 2005 - Jo Anne Barnhart, Commissioner of Social Security, announced yesterday that more than three million people have applied for the extra help available with Medicare prescription drug costs. The extra help will pay most of the costs of monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments - an average of $2,100 in extra help per year. Read more...

Key Strategy by HMOs to Limit Drug Costs Failing

Doctors ignore penalties for exceeding drug budgets

Sept. 15,2005 - With rising concern over the cost of the new Medicare prescription drug benefit program – going into effect January, 2006 and estimated to cost $593 billion over the next decade – a new UCSF study reveals that a key cost-cutting strategy employed by HMOs for 15 years is simply not working. Read more...

Senior Alert

Senior Citizens Cautioned to Protect Identity in Medicare Drug Plan Offers

CMS offers tips for identifying companies associated with Medicare program

Sept. 6, 2005 – Senior citizens, often the targets of fraud, are being cautioned by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to be especially careful in protecting their personal information in dealing with those who claim to be representing companies marketing the new Medicare prescription drug plans. Read more...

Senior Alert

New Medicare Drug Program Spawns New Type of Scam

Aug. 31, 2005 – It is no surprise but the crooks who like to rip off senior citizen are now using the guise of helping them understand the new prescription drug plan to gain access and confidence that leads to a theft of money or selling them something they do not really want. Attorney generals in several states have issued warnings. Read more...

Medicare Sees Drug Plan Costs Under $20 By Some Providers

Enhanced coverage and lower deductibles also showing up

Aug. 30, 2005 – Early this month Medicare announced the cost of the new drug program – Part D – would probably cost an average of $32.50 per month. Yesterday, they announced that the prices being offered by private providers are looking even better. They have found some prices under $20 and some with zero deductibles or at least lower than the projected $250 per year. Read more...

Kaiser Poll Finds Seniors Now Split on Medicare Drug Benefit

Aug. 25, 2005 – The Kaiser Health Poll has released the latest survey on attitudes about the new Medicare drug benefit and for the first time the tracking poll shows senior citizens are as likely to say that they have a favorable impression of the drug benefit as an unfavorable one. Read more... may open slowly due to charts...

New State-by-State Report

Medicare Drug Program to Save Average Senior $700

New Part D drug program will cut costs for low-income seniors 90 percent

Aug. 25, 2005 – The average Medicare beneficiary will save about $700 on drug expenditures next year under the new prescription drug program – Medicare Part D. Low-income senior citizens, however, will see savings of nearly 90 percent, according to a new study released today. Read more... check savings in your state...

TV Spot Begins for Medicare 2006 Drug Program

Aug. 16, 2005 - A new advertisement about the Medicare prescription drug benefit began airing today on national network and cable programs. The television ad is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and builds upon efforts to educate people with Medicare and their families before enrollment begins Nov. 15, 2005. Read more...

Medicare Issues Marketing Guidelines for Prescription Drug Plans

Aug. 15, 2005 – With the advertising barrage just beginning by the companies that will be selling Medicare approved prescription drug plans to senior citizens for 2006, Medicare today issued marketing guidelines for the companies and warnings for consumers. People with Medicare can begin to enroll in the program on November 15, while plans can begin to market their packages on October 1. Read more...

Medicare Says Prescription Drug Program Will Cost Less Than Expected

Monthly fee for new Medicare Part D will be $32.20 per month

Aug. 10, 2005- The new Medicare Part D prescription drug program will cost less than expected, when it becomes effective in January, according to a “fact sheet” issued yesterday by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The average monthly premium will be $32.20, the announcement says – about five dollars a month less than previously projected. Read more...

Mail-Service Pharmacies Can Save Medicare $86 Billion on Prescription Drug Costs

Aug. 2, 2005 – With savings of 10 percent compared to retail pharmacies, the mail-service pharmacy option has the potential to save Medicare as much as $86 billion dollars on prescription drug costs over the next decade, according to a new study by the Lewin Group released today by the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA). PCMA is the national association representing America's pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). Read more...

Private Sector Effort Helped 600,000 Find Help with Drug Costs

Group pledges to boost awareness with multi-million dollar campaign

July 26, 2005 - The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (PPA), the largest private-sector effort to assist patients who need help paying for prescription medicines, today issued “a landmark report” on its progress. According to the report, "Helping One Patient at a Time," the effort is highly successful in directing new patients to prescription assistance programs -- helping more than 600,000 patients in just 100 days. Read more...

New drug plan will reduce cost, but...

Free ACE Inhibitors for Seniors With Diabetes Would Save Money for Medicare, Study Says

U. Michigan researchers say it would also save lives, make life better

July 19, 2005 – ACE inhibitors should be available free to the eight million American senior citizens over age 65 who have diabetes, according to researchers at the University of Michigan Health System. These drugs are so beneficial for these patients that even giving them away ultimately would save the Medicare system and society large amounts of money by preventing heart attacks, strokes and kidney failure, the study shows. Read more...

New Website Helps Low-Income Seniors Find Drug Assistance

Online service aids enrollment for Medicare subsidy as well as state, private programs

July 12, 2005 – There is a new spin on the Website that has been helping seniors find help with drug coverage. BenefitsCheckUp.org has now added BenefitsCheckUp.org/rx, which is designed to help the one out of three Medicare participants that qualify for the low-income subsidy offered under the Medicare drug program that becomes active in January. Read more...

AMA Leads Critics Questioning UnitedHealth Acquisition of PacifiCare

AARP announced last month UnitedHealth would supply their drug coverage plan

July 9, 2005 – In a strongly worded statement, a spokesman for the American Medical Society expressed outrage at the acquisition of PacifiCare Health Systems by United Health Group, which will be the company used by the giant in senior citizen insurance, AARP, to devise a plan for AARP to market coverage for the Medicare prescription drug program (Medicare Part D). Read more...

Five Tips on Extra Help to Pay for the New Medicare Drug Benefit

July 8, 2005 – Twenty million people with Medicare have been targeted to receive applications from the Social Security Administration for extra help in paying for the new Medicare prescription drug benefit. Many are being received now and in response to complaints about the difficulty in completing the forms, the Medicare Rights Center has issued tips for making it easier. Read more...

Heat Building from Grassroots for Negotiated Prices on Medicare Drugs

San Antonio Newspaper, Consumers Union urge seniors to act

July 7, 2005 – In an editorial entitled “Congress Inhibiting Medicare’s Influence,” the San Antonio Express-News today joined Consumers Union and others in blasting Congress for not allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices for senior citizens in the new Medicare drug plan that becomes effective in January. Read more...

Sen. Dole on Pfizer Tour Promoting 10 Points on Medicare Drug Benefit

Ten things senior need to know about Medicare’s new Prescription Drug Program

June 22, 2005 - In a continuing effort to promote the new Medicare prescription drug benefit, Senator Bob Dole today launched a second nationwide speaking tour, paid for by drug-maker Pfizer, Inc., on the importance of the benefit to seniors and people living with disabilities. Read more...

Low-Income Seniors Skimp Less on Prescription Drugs With State Help

SeniorCare programs reach further than Medicare 2006 in Wisconsin, Illinois

June 20, 2005 – A new study by Brandeis University researchers shows that two state-run pharmacy assistance programs reduced by one-half the number of senior citizens who either forgo necessities or skimp on prescribed drugs. Moreover, the decline in skimping was most dramatic among the most vulnerable – those with advanced age and multiple chronic conditions, the study concluded. Read more...

President Helps Kickoff “Medicare Covers America” Rally

Government steps up efforts to enroll seniors who need help with drug costs

June 17, 2005 – President George W. Bush joined Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt and CMS Administrator Dr. Mark McClellan yesterday for the “Medicare Covers America” kickoff rally at the Hubert Humphrey Federal Building in Washington, D.C. The rally launched a new stage in the national effort to get comprehensive drug coverage to the more than 42 million people with Medicare who need help paying for their prescription drugs. Read more...including key dates for 2006 Medicare enrollment

Last Call for Seniors to Save $450 With Medicare Prescription Drug Credit

$450 Drug Credit Deadline Approaches for Lower Income Senior Citizens - Must Apply by June 30th

June 11, 2005 -- Seniors and persons with disabilities can still apply for the $450 Medicare prescription drug credit, but time is running short for those who want to receive the full benefit. After June 30, eligible seniors will still receive a portion of the prescription drug credit, but those who apply before the June deadline will receive the full $450 credit for 2005. Read more...

Three State Plans Approved to Leverage Buying of Prescription Drugs

Plans approved for Louisiana, Maryland and West Virginia

May 28, 2005 – Three states won approval from Health and Human Services to pool their purchasing power in an effort to gain larger discounts on prescription drugs for their state programs. HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt on Friday approved plans by Louisiana, Maryland and West Virginia This is the second multi-state purchasing plan using the framework established by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2004. The first multi-state plan, approved in April 2004, included five states: Michigan, Vermont, New Hampshire, Alaska and Nevada. Since its approval, Hawaii, Minnesota, and Montana have joined that original pool. Read more...

Follow Senior Citizens to Lower Drug Prices, Study Says

Medicare 2006

Nation’s Largest Pharmacy to Help Enroll Low-Income for New Prescription Drug Program

May 2, 2005 – The nation’s largest retail pharmacy, CVS/pharmacy, today stepped up to the plate to offer assistance to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in the enrollment of the 8 million low income senior citizens and others eligible for the Medicare prescription drug benefit that takes effect January 1, 2006. How to get these citizens enrolled has been a major concern for senior advocates. Read more...

New Medicare Process Begins

Medicare Prescription Drug Assistance Forms Go In Mail Starting May 27

April 27, 2005 - If you have limited income and resources, you may be able to get help paying for your monthly premiums, deductibles and co-payments under the new Medicare Part D prescription drug program that begins January 1, 2006. On May 27, the Social Security Administration will begin mailing over 20 million applications to older adults and people with disabilities who may qualify for the extra help. Read more...

Medicare Adds $31.7 Million to Funds for State Programs to Help Spread the Word on Next Year’s Drug Program

SHIPs, CMS Build Stronger Commitment to Doing Better Job

April 13, 2005 - The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on Monday a 50 percent increase in funding for the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) for stronger efforts to inform Medicare beneficiaries about the prescription drug coverage that begins in 2006. Read more...

Switch to Medicare Drug Coverage Poses Dire Risk for Nursing Home Residents, Experts Warn

Written By: ElderLawAnswers.com

April 13, 2005 - Thousands of nursing home residents are in grave danger of losing coverage for life-sustaining drugs when the new Medicare drug law takes effect on January 1, experts familiar with medication practices in long-term care settings are warning. Any sudden loss of coverage will likely result in illnesses or premature deaths, the experts say. Read more...

Brand Name Drug Price Increases Reach Five Year High

April 12, 2005 - The average increase in the price that manufacturers charge for brand name prescription drugs significantly outpaced inflation for the fifth straight year according to a new AARP "Rx Watchdog Report" study released today. Since the end of 1999, manufacturers of 153 of these brand name drugs have raised their prices over two-and-a-half times the rate of general inflation. During that time, manufacturers' drug prices have increased 35.1 percent on average, compared to an inflation rate of 13.5 percent. Read more...

States Try to Boost Flagging Rx Web Sites

By Pamela M. Prah, Stateline.org Staff Writer

March 31, 20005 - States are finding that business is slow on the Web sites they launched to make it easier for residents to buy cheaper prescription drugs from Canada and the United Kingdom. Read more...

Most States Help Low-Income Elderly with Drug Costs

Website helps locate assistance for those not in Medicaid

March 21, 2005 – Increasingly, the burden of assisting low-income senior citizens is falling on the state governments. Tom Koziol, a regular contributor to SeniorJournal.com, has found a Website that can assist the elderly who do not qualify for Medicaid in finding help with prescription drugs in their state. Read more...

Momentum Moving Forward for Drug Importation: AARP Endorses Bills, Senate Aging Chair Affirms Support

Feb. 25, 2005 – AARP has announced their support for House and Senate bills that will allow for the importation of prescription drugs and the Republican Chairman of the Senate Aging Committee, Gordon Smith, has pledged he, too, will pursue legislation legalizing the re-importation of prescription drugs. The momentum seems to be moving toward some form of legalized drug importation in this Congress. Read more...

President Threatens Veto of Medicare Drug Changes, Senior Advocates Push for Negotiated Drug Prices

Feb. 11, 2005 – President Bush today threatened to veto any changes Congress might make to the Medicare prescription drug benefit that begins in January 2006, but his press secretary could not identify what changes the President suspects may be coming. One possibility are new demands by Medicare advocates for the government to negotiate drug prices with the pharmaceutical industry, something the bill now prohibits. Read more...

New Website Tool Helps Seniors Get Medicare Drug Card Information Easier

Feb. 3, 2005 - Generations on Line, a national nonprofit Internet literacy program for senior citizens, today announced a simple new way for seniors to access the new Medicare drug benefit online. Read more...

Medicare Rights Center Launches Campaign for Change in New Drug Regulations

Jan. 30, 2005 – The Medicare Rights Center, concerned that some low-income seniors may lose access to prescription drugs under the final regulations for the 2006 Medicare Drug Benefit calling for many to be moved from Medicaid to Medicare, has begun a grassroots campaign for changes. Read more...

Medicare to Cover Most Drug Costs Says Final Plan for 2006 Announced Today

Jan. 21, 2005 – Medicare late today issued the final rules for the prescription drug benefit that begins in 2006, which reportedly will pay as much as 75 percent of the drug costs for most Medicare beneficiaries. This will be the new Part D section of Medicare. Read more...

New Web Tool To Help Low-Income Seniors Enroll Faster for Medicare Drug Card

Deadline is Dec. 31 for $1,200 cash savings for those most in need

Dec. 20, 2004 - With less than two weeks remaining to receive $1,200 in savings from the government, the national Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC) and many local non-profit and government agencies are urging people with Medicare who have low incomes to enroll in a Medicare-approved discount card before Dec. 31. ABC says they have made the process easier with their new “streamlined Medicare Card Finder.” More... 12/20/04*

Medicare Giving Wrong Answers Says GAO Report

Most of the test calls made much earlier this year

Dec. 12, 2004 – Last week the Government Accountability Office released a report saying 29 percent of their callers to the Medicare help line were given inaccurate answers and 10 percent got no answer at all. The calls, however, were primarily made months earlier, before Medicare made efforts to improve the responses and provide more information online and with local help. More... 12/12/04*

Medicare Says Long-Term Care Residents Will Get Drug Assistance

They say Sunday New York Times article was wrong

Dec. 10, 2004 – On Sunday the New York Times published an article alleging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services does not have a plan to provide the Medicare drug benefits to residents of long-term care facilities. Yesterday, Medicare responded with a statement saying they do have a plan and that the article “omitted key facts.” More... 12/10/04*

Some Seniors Could Save $1,300 a Year by Taking Effective, Lower-Cost Cholesterol Drug - Lovastatin

Lovastatin and Lipitor are Chosen Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs

Dec. 10, 2004 – Millions of senior citizens and other consumers who take or need “statins” to moderately lower their cholesterol could save up to $3.50 a day by considering the only generic version available – lovastatin, the Consumer Reports Best Buy Drugs project has found. More... 12/10/04*

A Call for Senior Citizens to Help Other Seniors Enroll for Drug Discount Cards

We must help our fellow seniors enroll for drug discount cards - and enroll ourselves, if we have not

By Tucker Sutherland, editor

Dec. 9, 2004 – More than five million senior citizens are on the verge of losing $1,200 in free prescription drugs and it is time for senior citizens to take action to help our fellow Medicare beneficiaries. We must contact those we know who are eligible for this low-income credit and help them sign up before the Dec. 31 deadline. If they are not eligible for the low-income credit, help them sign up for a regular drug discount card. More... 12/09/04*

AMA Votes to Support Conditional Drug Importation, Stop Medicare Pay Cuts

Dec. 7, 2004 - The American Medical Association voted yesterday to support the importation of prescription drugs by wholesalers and pharmacies, if certain conditions are met to “ensure patient safety.” They also adopted a policy aimed a curbing further cuts in Medicare payments to physicians. More... 12/07/04*

Prescription Drug Price Increases Continue to Outpace Inflation: AARP Study

Dec. 6, 2004 - A new report released today by AARP found the annual rate of manufacturers' price increases for the 197 brand name prescription drugs most commonly used by older Americans more than tripled the rate of inflation over the 12 month period ending on September 30, 2004. More... 12/06/04*

New Yorkers Get Local Drug Price Information Online

Dec. 6, 2004 – New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer will joint the New York AARP today to announce increased efforts by both to inform New Yorkers online where they can find the best prices on popular prescription drugs. More... 12/06/04

PharmaCare Says Seniors Have Saved Over $9.2 Million With Drug Card

Nov. 29, 2004 – More than 45,000 have signed up for the PharmaCare Medicare-approved drug card and the company says these senior citizens have saved 9.2 million dollars. More... 11/29/04*

Even Local Pharmacists May Support Imported Drugs

Nov. 24, 2004 – Even your local pharmacist may favor importing drugs to help seniors on Medicare and others save money, but the community pharmacist want the imported drugs channeled through them, which they say will ensure safety and effectiveness. More... 11/24/04*

New Ad Campaign Launched Against Influence on Medicare by Drug Industry

Nov. 17, 2004 – The association representing the people who work to negotiate lower drug prices for health programs and insurers, today stepped up their campaign against the influence of drug manufacturers on the Medicare system, which they claim will cost billions of dollars in unnecessary costs and higher Medicare premiums for senior citizens. More... 11/17/04*

Window Opens to Switch Medicare Drug Card, Deadline to Enroll Approaches

Hundreds of local organizations involved in last minute education program; Area Agencies on Aging began today

Nov. 15, 2004 – Critical time periods are at hand for the Medicare Drug Program. Today the window opens for switching to a new Medicare drug discount card and this window closes on Dec. 31, 2004, which is also the deadline for joining the program. More... 11/15/04*

Poll Says Senior Voters Want Medicare Drug Plan Choices, Competition

They have serious concerns about role of drug-makers in design of benefits

Nov. 11, 2004 - Seniors voting in last week's presidential election favor a Medicare prescription drug benefit that promotes a choice of plans and drives down prices through competition, but also have serious concerns about the drug manufacturers' role in influencing the design of that new benefit, according to new post-election polling data released yesterday by the Pharmaceutical Care Management Association. PCMA is the national association representing America's pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). More... 11/11/04*

Patent Law May Prevent Drug Importation That Seniors Want

Oct. 22, 2004 – Importing drugs to the U.S. may not be as easy as many senior citizens on Medicare are assuming, according to an analysis that says patent owners have the right to exclude importation of their patented drugs. More... 10/22/04

AMA Says Medicare Should Negotiate Drug Prices, Reports New York Times

Oct. 17, 2004 – The New York Times reported today that the American Medical Association has decided to join the fight to get the Bush Administration to allow Medicare to negotiate with drug manufacturers for lower prices on prescription medicine for America’s senior citizens. More... 10/17/04*

Rx Express Leaves Miami Taking Seniors on Drug Buying Spree in Toronto

Oct. 11, 2004 – The Rx Express pulled out of Miami this morning on it’s way to buy drugs in Toronto, Canada. The chartered train is taking 25 selected senior citizens and others on the trip to highlight the lower cost of Canadian drugs available, the sponsors say, because Canadians bargain for bulk purchases from drug companies and this has been blocked in the U.S. More... 10/11/04*

Government Shells Out $3.95 Million in New Medicare Drug Program Enrollment Effort

Sept. 30, 2004 - More than 100 community-based organizations and coalitions representing nearly 700 individual organizations will receive a total of $3.95 million from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Administration on Aging (AoA to help educate and enroll senior citizens and people with a disability about the benefits of the Medicare-approved drug discount card. More... 9/30/04*

Savings Increasing in Medicare Drug Program, Says Administrator

Sept. 24, 2004 – Maybe it’s the free market at work? The prices on prescription drugs in the Medicare-approved drug card program are dropping. Medicare announced yesterday that savings for senior citizens with cards have increased from an average of 11 to 18 percent, to 12 to 21 percent. More... 9/24/04*

Expanded Coalition, Website Tool Takes Aim at Helping Low-Income Senior Citizens Get Drug Discounts

80 Non-Profits, 50 Plus Local Coalitions Join Access to Benefits Coalition

Sept. 23, 2004 – The Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC) announced a new Website tool - BenefitsCheckUpRx2.0 – and expansion of the organization to include more than 80 national non-profit organizations and over 50 local coalitions focused on trying to increase the sluggish enrollment of lower income senior citizens in the Medicare drug discount program, and to help them find the best combination of public and private prescription savings programs. More... 9/23/04*

New Effort to Boost Slack Enrollment

Nearly Two Million Low-Income Americans Will Automatically Get Medicare Drug Discount Cards

Sept. 22, 2004 – In the latest effort to enroll more senior citizens in the Medicare Drug Discount Card Program, the government will automatically send a discount card to nearly two million low-income Americans who get state help to pay Medicare premiums. More... 9/22/04*

RxExpress Now Heads Up East Coast Taking Seniors to Buy Canadian Drugs

Sept. 22, 2004 – The RxExpress is about to make another drug run to Canada. This time they will pick up pre-selected senior citizens along the East Coast to take them across the northern U.S. border to buy prescription drugs at prices much lower than those available in their own country. More... 9/22/04*

Senate Aging Committee

New Medicare Data to be Presented Thursday at Senate Committee

Former Sen. Glenn, Jack Valenti Testified Today on Older Workers

Sept. 20, 2004 – At the hearing of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging today on rules for older workers, Chairman Larry Craig (R-Idaho) announced a special hearing on Thursday to hear updates on the Medicare drug discount card program. More... 9/20/04*

New Medicare Tool Allows Comparison of Drug Costs by Disease Treated

Sept. 15, 2004 – A new tool by Medicare is aimed at helping seniors get the lowest price possible for medicines by allowing them to compare prices for similar drugs used to treat common diseases. The "Lower Cost Rx Comparison Tool" will help consumers compare lower-cost prescription drugs by category (cholesterol lowering drugs, blood pressure medicines, allergy medications, etc.) that are similar to the drugs they currently take and are used to treat the same conditions. More... 9/15/04*

Senior Citizens Reduce or Stop Medications Facing Gap in Drug Coverage

Aug. 25, 2004 - Seniors who use up their yearly drug benefits before the end of the year often resort to reducing their recommended dosages, or even stop taking their medications altogether--a situation that could endanger their health, according to a new study. More... 8/25/04*

New Report: Seniors Will Save An Average Of Over $1,200 With Medicare Drug Discount Cards

Chairman Of The U.S. Senate Special Committee On Aging Urges Seniors To Sign Up Now

Aug. 19, 2004 - A newly released independent analysis of the Medicare-approved drug discount cards has found that average seniors participating in the new program will save over $1,200, on average, for their prescription drug purchases before the full Medicare drug benefit goes into effect in 2006, according to a news release by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging. More... 8/19/04*

Enrollment Opens Today for Program Providing Savings to Uninsured on Pfizer Medicines

Aug. 18, 2004 - Pfizer Inc announced today that America's uninsured can start saving on their Pfizer medicines by calling the Pfizer Helpful Answers toll-free number or accessing the web site. More... 8/18/04*

Aug. 11, 2004 - Many more people on Medicare have an unfavorable than a favorable impression of the new law that adds a drug benefit to the program, but most want Congress to fix rather than repeal it, according to a new survey of the opinions of people - primarily senior citizens - on Medicare released yesterday. More... 8/11/04*

July 31, 2004 - The Food and Drug Administration yesterday issued a warning about counterfeit drugs sold to Americans from Mexican pharmacies. The FDA is warning specifically about counterfeit versions of the drugs Zocor (simvastatin) and carisoprodol that were recently imported from Mexico by individual Americans. More... 7/31/04*

July 28, 2004 – A study released today shows savings on prescription drugs can be achieved using the Medicare-approved drug cards but also says less than one million senior citizens have voluntarily signed up for the program. More... 7/28/04*

July 27, 2004 – Medicare issued proposed regulations for implementing the new Medicare Modernization Act – including the prescription drug program – which gives a more detailed look at how the plan will work. The rules released yesterday are now available for public comment. (See links to Fact Sheet, Links to more information) More... 7/27/04*

July 21, 2004 - In 2003 citizens of Canada, the United Kingdom, and France paid an average of 34-59 percent of what Americans paid for a similar market basket of pharmaceuticals. If the Medicare program were to pay comparable prices for pharmaceuticals, it would be possible to eliminate the "doughnut hole" gap in its prescription drug benefit and keep Medicare drug spending within the overall limits established by Congress. More... 7/21/04*

June 24, 2004 - Former U.S. Senator and presidential candidate Bob Dole appeared in Washington, D.C. today as part of his speaking tour sponsored by Pfizer, Inc., a drug firm, to tout the Medicare-approved drug cards. He says the program is making “steady progress.” More... 6/24/04*

June 9, 2004 – The number of senior citizens signing up for the Medicare-approved drug cards has now passed 3 million, according to Mark McClellan, head of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), who testified yesterday before the Senate Finance Committee. More... 6/9/04*

June 9, 2004 - Medicare claims a new study shows that savings on generic drugs can be between 46 and 92 percent from the price of the prescription brand in the discount drug card program. More... 6/9/04*

June 7, 2004 - Pharmacies have been selling discounted drugs to those with the Medicare-approved discount cards since June 1 but the government is answering the slow sign-up by seniors with new educational efforts. More... 6/7/04*

June 1, 2004 – The Medicare drug discount cards became effective today but the numbers of eligible persons signing up for the government approved cards is lagging expectations. More... 6/01/04*

May 19, 2004 - Medicare has established monetary fines for any fraudulent activities by the Medicare-approved drug discount card sponsors and has begun weekly monitoring of drugs and prices to assure there is no “bait and switch” activity. More... 5/19/04*