Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Deane Beebe
Communications Director
212-204-6219
Medicare Rights CenterMarch 23, 2006
Comment on Enrollment In Medicare Private Drug Plans Below is a comment from Robert M. Hayes, president of the Medicare Rights Center, regarding the new enrollment figures from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
“16 million Americans with Medicare still have no drug coverage -- if the Administration’s numbers released today are accurate. Less than seven million Americans who were uninsured before the drug program was launched are newly insured. On the other hand, six million of the poorest and frailest Americans who lost Medicaid coverage on January 1st now have inferior, less reliable drug coverage.
“We are spending far too much for far too little help – help that is desperately needed by the American people.
“Enrollment in private drug plans is increasing, but so too is the anger and dissatisfaction of people in plans. Increasingly, older Americans who call our hotlines for help are reporting how inadequate and unreliable the benefit is. Coverage gaps, excessive out-of-pocket costs and routine denials of coverage for needed drugs are commonplace.
“Tragically, even enrollment in a private drug plan frequently leaves older Americans going without the medicines they need.”