September 12, 2005

State officials today introduced efforts to educate Michigan’s Medicare beneficiaries on the new federal Medicare Prescription Drug Plan – scheduled to begin on January 1.

Representatives from the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging (OSA) and the Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) kicked off their efforts with a press conference at the Tri-County Area Agency on Aging office in Lansing today.

“We are working closely with the experts at MMAP to provide Michigan’s beneficiaries with the information they need to make the best choice for their prescription coverage, said Sharon L. Gire, OSA Director.” The new federal drug benefit affects Michigan’s 1.5 million Medicare beneficiaries, and it is imperative that they all have the information they need to make decisions about their prescription drugs."

This October, beneficiaries will be inundated with information about the specific plans available in their area. Starting on November 15, beneficiaries can start enrolling in the Medicare drug plan of their choice. For coverage to begin on January 1, 2006, enrollment has to occur prior to December 31, 2005.

If enrollment occurs after May 15, 2006, beneficiaries may be faced with increased monthly premiums.

‘‘It’s understandable for people to be concerned or hesitant about the changes in the Medicare system, but what most people don’t realize is that there are free, credible resources to help them sort through the options,’’ says Mary Johnson, MMAP State Director.

For 24-hour-a-day help, Medicare has a 1-800 number (1-800-MEDICARE) that offers assistance over the phone to anyone with questions. MMAP is a free service with trained volunteer counselors in communities throughout Michigan who are ready to educate people enrolled in Medicare about health care coverage decisions of all kinds.

MMAP counselors can help clarify coverage plans and options, help identify savings plans, help identify scams and assist with paperwork.

MMAP counselors can be reached by calling 1-800-803-7174, MMAP’s toll-free help line. Every call is routed by area code to a local office with MMAP counselors.