For Release: Friday, April 28, 2006
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

MAY 15TH IS DEADLINE TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION DRUG BENEFIT WITHOUT PENALTY

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) reminds all seniors and their families that the deadline to sign up for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit, Part D, is May 15th, 2006.  After that date, enrollees will pay a higher premium unless their current drug coverage is as good as the new benefit. 

Costello did not vote for the legislation creating the new drug benefit because it does nothing to address the high cost of prescription drugs.  He also felt the program should be simpler and part of Medicare - there is no standard benefit and seniors have to buy private coverage or enroll in a Medicare managed care plan to get coverage.  

However, Costello believes it is important that seniors find out about this new benefit and consider enrolling before the deadline.  A recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll found that 55% of seniors saved money, 19% paid more and 19% broke even, so it is important to evaluate the various plans carefully.  The poll also found that two-thirds of the respondents had not enrolled.

"I encourage those eligible to take this last opportunity before May 15th to see if the new benefit makes sense for them," said Costello.  "Acting now will ensure you are not penalized."

For further information regarding this new benefit please contact the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Regional Office in Chicago at 312-353-7180, or call 1-800-MEDICARE or go to www.medicare.gov.

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