November 16, 2005

HOUSE PASSES MEASURES TO HELP MEDICARE PART D PARTICIPANTS

State Representatives Betsy Ritter (D-Waterford, Montville) and Kevin Ryan is pleased to announce House passage of a bill that will cover the costs of the new federal Medicare Part D drug program through June 30, 2006. The bill covers the co-pays of those eligible for Medicare and Medicaid (the dually eligible) and the costs of co-pays for ConnPACE members. The bill was approved by a vote of 135 to zero.

“This legislation restores coverage to residents on Medicare/Medicaid and ConnPACE who, because of the changes brought by the new federal program, were to experience increased costs and reduced benefits,” Rep Ritter added. “The bill provides additional counseling via the Department of Social Services to help persons select the best Part D plan for them on an individual basis, who need to change from one plan to another in the future, and to seek the maximum possible benefits. It does a good job of holding our most vulnerable residents harmless from added burdens as the program is implemented, and I am pleased to support it.”

The bill sets aside a fund for the Department of Social Services to cover costs with formularies for ConnPACE and the dually eligible beginning January 1, 2006. One million dollars is also allocated for counseling and enrollment assistance.

“This is a program that will help seniors as they enter the era of Medicare Part D,” said Rep. Ryan. “It makes a difference to help the seniors understand the program and to ensure them that they will not be left behind.”

Problems with Medicare’s new prescription drug program include: (1) forcing seniors and the disabled to choose between 44 to 54 competing private drug plans and 16 Medicare managed care options to find one that best covers their medications at a reasonable cost; (2) out-of-pocket expenses for drugs not on formularies; (3) a $3,600 coverage gap; (4) increased costs for ConnPACE members; and (5) new co-pays for the dually eligible.