Federal, State and Local Partners Will Raise Awareness, Explain Options, Help Vermonters Sign Up.

SOUTH BURLINGTON--Lt. Governor Brian Dubie today marked Medicare’s 40th Anniversary by joining area seniors, along with regional leaders from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, as well as Vermont officials and organization representatives to spotlight community-based resources that will help educate and enroll eligible Vermonters in the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage programs.

The enrollment period runs from November 15 to December 31, 2005. Coverage will begin on January 1, 2006, for those who enroll by the end of the year, under the new Medicare Modernization Act.

Lt. Governor Dubie said, “The Medicare Modernization Act will bring welcome relief and security to thousands of Vermonters who, until now, haven’t had Medicare to help pay for their prescription drugs. I look forward to supporting the team who will help them sort through their options, and choose the plans that fit the best.” Dubie continued, “I would also like to offer this assurance to those Vermonters who are currently covered by Vermont’s Medicaid pharmacy programs: Governor Douglas and I have pledged that you will not suffer a reduction in benefits due to this new program.”

Regional Director Brian Cresta of the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services and Dr. Charlotte S. Yeh, Boston Regional Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services were on hand at The Pines Senior Living Community to help explain how the new coverage will work.

Also on hand were Commissioner Patrick Flood and Deputy Commissioner Joan Senecal from Vermont’s Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living (DAIL); Judith Crawford, state director for Vermont’s State Insurance Program (SHIP); and Ken Gordon, director of the Area Agency on Aging for Northeastern Vermont.

Regional HHS Director Brian Cresta said, “We are grateful for Lt. Governor Dubie’s support in our effort to educate and enroll seniors in this new benefit. We need the assistance of local leaders if we’re going to make Medicare work for Vermont’s seniors and people with disabilities. We’re making Medicare more personalized and more local, so our beneficiaries can get help in the places where they’re most comfortable.”

Any Vermont resident with Medicare Part A and/or Part B coverage may join one of the Medicare prescription drug plans offered in Vermont. Beneficiaries will be able to choose among several plans.

As of January 1, 2006, Vermonters who are now covered both under Medicare and Medicaid, or State pharmacy program, will no longer receive most of their drug coverage from Medicaid or the State pharmacy program. They will have drug coverage under the new Medicare prescription drug benefit instead.

This fall, state and local representatives will be explaining the new choices to seniors and local service providers in towns and cities all over the state.

“Seniors have been making important decisions about their finances and about their health for their entire lives,” said CMS Boston Regional Administrator Dr. Charlotte Yeh. “This is one more decision – and we’re working to help you get the right information, so when sign-up time comes in November, you’ll be able to make a confident, informed decision,” added Dr. Yeh.

Earlier this year, Governor Jim Douglas tapped Dubie to chair his new Governor’s Commission on Healthy Aging. In June, Dubie was also named as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. The conference will convene in Washington this December, when delegates will vote on resolutions and develop implementation strategies that will help the President and Congress shape aging policies for the next ten years and beyond.

Dubie said he enjoys working with Commissioner Patrick Flood and Deputy Commissioner Joan Senecal at DAIL. He is looking forward to traveling the state with DAIL, SHIP and federal partners this fall, listening to what Vermont’s senior citizens have to say. “The Governor’s Commission on Healthy Aging and The White House Conference on Aging are two great opportunities for seniors to make a difference for themselves today, and for generations of seniors to come. I’m really excited about being the link that makes that happen.”

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