U.S. Congressman Phil Gingrey, M.D. reminds seniors that the 2007 Medicare Part D open-enrollment begins today, November 15, 2006 and ends December 31, 2006. Medicare prescription drug coverage is available to all seniors, but seniors must choose to enroll in a plan. Seniors who enrolled in a Medicare Part D plan in 2006 have the option of changing plans without penalty during the 2007 open-enrollment period.

“Medicare Part D is delivering lower drug costs and improved health benefits to our seniors,” said Gingrey. “For seniors who have not yet enrolled, I encourage you to sign up now and start saving. I also urge seniors who have already enrolled to review their current plans using the “Three Cs”: cost, coverage and customer service. If your plan costs too much, doesn’t cover new medicines you’ll need, or isn’t performing up to your standards, you can find a new plan during the open season. Plans are available in Georgia with premiums as low as $17.40 a month. And for the majority of seniors who are satisfied with their Medicare Part D plans, no action is necessary.”

Medicare has introduced this year several new tools to make it easy for seniors to get assistance with Medicare Part D enrollment. At the website www.Medicare.gov, seniors can access the Monthly Cost Estimator, a personalized chart showing a senior’s projected drug costs for each month. Seniors can also use the website to compare plans by price, benefits and medications covered. Finally, seniors can call 1-800-MEDICARE for personalized assistance, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

“As a physician, I know that if seniors can afford their medicine, they can afford to stay healthy,” said Gingrey. “Medicare Part D is saving seniors an average of $1,100 a year, with even greater benefits for low-income seniors. If you or a senior in your life has any questions about this program, please call my office. My staff is trained to assist you, and I have made it a personal mission to ensure every senior has the right information to choose a plan and start saving.”
Seniors can contact Congressman Gingrey by calling:
Marietta: (770) 429-1776 Rome: (706) 290-1776 Carrollton: (770) 836-8130
For more information on Medicare Part D, visit: http://gingrey.house.gov/Issues/Issue/?IssueID=1522.