Date: August 25, 2005
Contact: Barbara Schoof Conant
barbaraconant@aging.state.ks.us
Director of Communications
(785) 296-6154
Information reported today in the Topeka Capital Journal story about HHS Sec. Leavitt’s visit to Kansas (“Drug plan trumpeted”) contained incorrect information about coverage under the Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, also known as Medicare Part D.
The story reported that Medicare beneficiaries must sign up by May 15, 2006 or risk receiving reduced benefits. That is incorrect. Beneficiaries who do not sign up by May 15 risk paying higher premiums. Benefits will not be reduced, but beneficiaries who enroll after May 15 could possibly pay a higher premium for those benefits.
The story also noted that “for drug expenses
between $2,250 and $5,100, all costs would be
covered.” That, too, is incorrect. No costs
are covered for drug expenses between $2,250
and $5,100. Drug costs between $2,250 and $5,100
are 100% the responsibility of the beneficiary.