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July 26th, 2006
HARRISBURG – Enrollees in Pennsylvania’s PACE and PACENET prescription assistance programs now have until Sunday, Aug. 6, to accept assignment to a federal Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, Secretary of Aging Nora Dowd Eisenhower said today.
“The good news is that in signing up for PACE Plus Medicare, no one will receive fewer benefits than they currently have, and some may actually receive better coverage,” Secretary Dowd Eisenhower said. “In addition, PACE Plus will save our Lottery fund money that will be used to support other services for seniors – so, everyone wins.”
Under PACE Plus Medicare, the state will enroll PACE/PACENET cardholders into one of several Medicare Part D prescription drug plans while also keeping them in the state program. PACE/PACENET will recommend the Part D program that provides benefits that most closely match the cardholder’s individual needs. No one will lose benefits.
Under PACE Plus Medicare, enrollees will enjoy the best features of both programs because PACE will fill in the gaps where Medicare Part D does not provide coverage.
“When our cardholders understand how PACE Plus Medicare works in everyone’s best interest, they overwhelmingly agree with our recommendation,” Secretary Dowd Eisenhower added.
By allowing the federal Medicare program to pick up some of the costs of providing prescription coverage, Pennsylvania stands to save up to $170 million this year. The savings will be used to provide other services to older adults.
PACE/PACENET recently notified 165,000 cardholders by mail which Part D plan is recommended for them. Cardholders who wish to accept the enrollment need not do anything. Only those cardholders who have additional questions or concerns should contact the PACE/PACENET program at 1-800-225-7223 before Aug. 6.
“We know that our phone lines have been very busy lately, so we appreciate our cardholders’ patience while our operators take the time to individually counsel each caller,” Dowd Eisenhower said. “If you cannot get through during the day, our helplines are open until 8 p.m. on weekdays, and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.”
Dowd Eisenhower said that when people call, counselors will explain why enrolling in Part D is good for them and for their fellow seniors. She said that if people are not convinced, waivers could be granted for those who do not wish to be enrolled in Part D.
For more information, contact cardholder services at 1-800-225-7223 or visit the Department of Aging website at www.aging.state.pa.us and click on the link titled “PACE Plus Medicare” or on the blue and gold PACE card. ###
Contact:
Anne C. Bale
(717) 783-1549
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Department of Aging
Commonwealth News Bureau
Room 308, Main Capitol Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
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