(KANSAS CITY, KAN.) – Congressman Dennis Moore (Third District -- Kansas) hosted a news conference on Thursday to highlight the bipartisan proposal he is urging Congress to approve so that our seniors get the Medicare prescription drug benefit they need and deserve.

“Too many of our seniors are having trouble understanding the enrollment process and struggling to get their medications,” Moore said. “It is imperative that all members of Congress work together to make this transition seamless and ensure the timely enrollment of those eligible for subsidies.” On January 26, 2005, one year ago today, Moore introduced legislation, H.R. 376, that would give the Secretary of Health and Human Services explicit authority to negotiate a group discount for lower pharmaceutical prices on behalf of 43 million Medicare beneficiaries. In addition, Moore is a cosponsor of the Medicare Informed Choice Act, legislation to postpone until December 31, 2006, the deadline for enrollment in Medicare drug plans.

“For the last several months, we have been busy assisting Medicare beneficiaries who have questions and concerns about the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, especially those who are having problems getting their prescriptions when they go to the pharmacy,” said Katy Lamm, Deputy Director of the Johnson County Kansas Area Agency on Aging, Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program for Kansans (SHICK).

Moore is also an original cosponsor of legislation to provide an additional $100 million for State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, like SHICK, which have been overwhelmed by the number of seniors needing assistance with the new Medicare drug program.

“There’s no doubt that this is an incredibly complicated and confusing program,” Moore said. “We must ensure that we are adequately supporting our local agencies and those who are responsible for helping our seniors through the enrollment process.”

Medicare beneficiaries who need help getting their medications or would like more information on their plan options should call the SHICK office at 1-800-860-5260 to request assistance from a SHICK Counselor, or may contact Congressman Moore’s office at (913) 383-2013 for more information.