Nearly 1.7 million Floridians have prescription drug coverage through Medicare according to final enrollment numbers released by the federal government. This accounts for approximately 78.1% of Florida's 3.1 million Medicare beneficiaries. Nationally, 38.2 million people with Medicare, or 90% of beneficiaries, now have drug coverage. The enrollment numbers exceeded expectations and the Medicare prescription drug program offers savings and security for beneficiaries. Florida organizations are still working to reach those who may be eligible for extra financial assistance with enrollment before the next open enrollment period begins in November.

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nanette Schimpf
June 19, 2006 850-224-0174
NEARLY 1.7 MILLION FLORIDIANS NOW HAVE PRESCRIPTION DRUG
COVERAGE THROUGH MEDICARE
Government announces final enrollment numbers
Tallahassee, FL — Some 1,648,843 Floridians now have prescription drug
coverage through Medicare, according to final-enrollment numbers recently
released by the federal government. This number includes those signed up for
stand-alone prescription drug plans and for Medicare managed care plans that
include prescription coverage.
Of Florida’s approximately 3,094,899 Medicare beneficiaries, about 78.1 percent
(2,417,835) now have some kind of drug coverage. Nationally, 90 percent of
people with Medicare (38.2 million beneficiaries) now have drug coverage.
“The enrollment numbers have exceeded expectations. The new Medicare
prescription drug program offers savings and security, and Medicare
beneficiaries are satisfied with the benefit,” says Gwen Cooper, president of
Community Health Charities of Florida.
The Medicare Rx Access Network of Florida is reminding the thousands of
Floridians who may be eligible but have not applied for the benefit’s low-income
subsidy that they can still apply between now and Nov. 15 (when the next open-
enrollment period begins) for extra help with paying for the coverage. If they
qualify for the low-income subsidy, they are offered a special enrollment
opportunity to enroll for coverage to begin right away and they will not be subject
to a late-enrollment penalty.
“Reaching out to beneficiaries in Florida who may be eligible for the low-income
subsidy has been no small task,” says Gwen Cooper. “There is help available for
those who wish to find out if they qualify.”
Beneficiaries who wish to find out if they qualify for the low-income subsidy can
get assistance by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or the Social
Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213.

2. To obtain the Medicare agency’s final, state-by-state enrollment data, log onto
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/PrescriptionDrugCovGenIn/02_EnrollmentData.asp#Top
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Currently, there are 169 member organizations participating in the Medicare Rx
Access Network of Florida that represent seniors, patients, people with
disabilities and chronic diseases, pharmacists, healthcare providers and
businesses. The network provides information and assistance with outreach and
education for the new Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. Members share
an interest in educating Medicare beneficiaries about the new Medicare
prescription drug benefit and work closely with the appropriate agencies to obtain
up-to-date information to ensure that information disseminated by the network
about Medicare Part D is factual and accurately conveyed and to equip
beneficiaries and their caregivers to make informed choices. By sharing
information with each other about member organizations’ independent efforts,
collaborating on activities, and identifying ways to work together, the network
aims to eliminate duplication of efforts and maximize the effectiveness of
outreach efforts. The network does not engage in legislative activities or take
positions on pending legislative or administrative policies related to the Part D
benefit and its implementation. The Medicare Rx Access Network of Florida is
part of the national Medicare Rx Education Network, which is chaired by former
U.S. Senator John Breaux.