FRANKFORT, Ky. (Nov. 6, 2008) – Gov. Steve Beshear today joined a representative from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) to impress upon Kentucky’s Medicare-eligible seniors the importance of signing up for prescription drug coverage through Medicare.

Medicare Part D is the prescription drug component of Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people older than 65, certain people with disabilities and people with end-stage renal disease. Part D has been a Medicare component for four years and offers several prescription drug plans to beneficiaries.

Making the right choice in plans is even more important in today’s economy, when paying for prescription drugs can be increasingly burdensome. “We all know that prescription drug costs can hit seniors particularly hard,” said Gov. Beshear in an announcement at the Franklin County Senior Citizens Center. “That’s why, as part of our continuing efforts to make sure Kentuckians know about assistance available to them, we’re taking this opportunity to encourage Kentuckians to take advantage of Medicare Part D. We want to help seniors get the coverage they need – coverage they can afford – when they need it.”

To assist seniors who fall in the “doughnut hole” of Medicare, Gov. Beshear announced last week that a new statewide program to aid eligible Kentuckians in locating free or reduced cost prescription drugs will launch in March 2009. The Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program will expand a model program to a statewide network of assistance, using specialized computer programs and trained staff, to identify sources of free or low-cost medications for those who can’t afford their prescriptions.

“Prescription drug costs are a heavy burden on our senior citizens,” said Kentucky Congressman Ben Chandler. “I appreciate the Governor’s leadership in helping Kentuckians understand and take advantage of prescription drug assistance programs so our seniors can afford the medications they need.”

Open enrollment for all Medicare plans starts on Nov. 15 and runs through Dec. 31, 2008.

Renard Murray, the acting bi-regional administrator of CMS’ Atlanta and Dallas Regions, joined Beshear in urging Kentuckians to review Medicare’s prescription drug coverage plans and choose the plan that best fits their needs.

“It is imperative that all Kentuckians with Medicare review their Medicare coverage and participate in open enrollment,” said Murray. “Each year plans change in what they cost and what they cover. Now is the time for people with Medicare to review the changes being made by their current plan and compare it to others to make sure it still meets their needs.”

Last year, more than 700,000 Kentuckians enrolled in a Medicare plan. CMS suggests all people with Medicare should:

─ Review the 2009 costs for their current drug and health plan. (Look at premium, co-pays and deductibles.)

─ Compare the cost and coverage to other plans in their area. (Check to see if the plan covers their medicines, works with their pharmacy and doctors and covers the services they need.)

─ Choose a plan that meets their need.

Assistance in choosing a Medicare plan is available through the Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).

“Choosing any health care plan can be a daunting task,” said Beshear. “But no Kentuckian should have to choose a plan and feel confused about what they’re getting. That’s why we want to urge you to take advantage of the Kentucky State Health Insurance Assistance Program, available to all Kentuckians.”

SHIP, housed in the Cabinet for Health and Family Services’ Department for Aging and Independent Living, provides free information, counseling and assistance to seniors and disabled individuals, their family members and caregivers.

Volunteer SHIP counselors are available to all Medicare beneficiaries to assist in making informed decisions about health care. Kentuckians who want to speak with a SHIP counselor may call toll-free, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., (877) 293-7447.

To view and compare Medicare plans online, visit www.cms.hhs.gov.