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    THE NATIONAL COMMITTEE TO PRESERVE SOCIAL SECURITY AND MEDICARE
    ~ 4.6 Million Seniors ~ One Voice ~ No Privatization ~

    November 13, 2006

    News Release


    Seniors Face More Complex Choices, More Confusion and Less Time
    Part D Enrollment Begins as Administration touts
    the "Magic of the Market"



    Millions of seniors will once again begin the complicated process of choosing a Medicare Part D drug provider when the enrollment period begins November 15th. Even those currently enrolled in the program must review their plan carefully since premiums, deductibles, co-pays and the drugs covered could all be changing. The doughnut hole is also growing to $3,051 next year and will continue to trap millions of seniors in a dangerous coverage gap.

    "Many of our members are angry and frustrated at the prospect of starting their search for Part D coverage all over again. They know it doesn't have to be this complicated and that's one reason why so many seniors voiced their frustration at the polls last week"...Barbara B. Kennelly, President/CEO

    Speaker-elect Nancy Pelosi has promised legislation allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices for Part D beneficiaries. Unfortunately, the Bush administration says it will oppose those efforts. Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Levitt says the administration does not support allowing the government to negotiate prices, as is currently allowed in the Medicaid and Veterans Affairs drug programs. He says the "magic of the market" will drive down prices. NCPSSM President/CEO, Barbara Kennelly disagrees:

    "There's nothing 'magic' about the effect of billions of dollars in industry subsidies, a coverage gap which traps millions of seniors each year, rising co-pays and ever-changing formularies. That's what this industry-written Part D legislation has delivered to seniors and what must be changed with this new Congress. Seniors want a prescription drug plan which puts their needs ahead of corporate profits."

    The Part D open enrollment period runs until December 31st; however, seniors are encouraged to enroll by December 8th in order to begin coverage January 1st.

    More information on Part D is available on our website at: www.ncpssm.org.


    The National Committee is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that acts in the interests of its membership through advocacy, education, services, grassroots efforts and the leadership of the board of directors and professional staff. The work of the National Committee is directed toward developing a secure retirement for all Americans.