KIPDA Hosts Medicare Administrator Mark McClellan

KIPDA Staff

McClellan and other community partners raise awareness about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Mark B. McClellan, M.D., PhD, was in Louisville to speak about the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. Dr. McClellan joined officials and agency representatives from the KIPDA region to spotlight community-based resources that will help educate and enroll seniors and disabled beneficiaries in the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage. The event, held on September 2, 2005 at 11:30 p.m. at the Southeast Christian Church, was open to the public, and was very successful, with over 500 participants attending.

Beginning January 1, 2006, prescription drug coverage will be available to everyone with Medicare. Every person with Medicare will need to make a decision regarding drug coverage under a Medicare prescription drug plan. There are approximately 20 drug plans available in Kentucky, and they will cover brand name and generic drugs. Starting October 1, 2005, plans began advertising. Prescriptions can be obtained from neighborhood pharmacies or through mail order. All Medicare beneficiaries will have a choice of plans, so they can get the coverage that best meets their needs. Enrollment begins November 15, 2005 and continues through May 15, 2006.  Drug coverage will begin January 1, 2006 for those who have enrolled in a plan.

If you would like more information or would like assistance comparing the available plans, please contact KIPDA at (502)266-6084 or toll free at (888) 737-3363. Also, go to www.Medicare.gov for information, including the Medicare Personal Plan Finder.