Ohio Seniors Reminded of Medicare Enrollment Deadline

Tommy Thompson was in Columbus, Ohio to speak about the new Medicare prescription drug coverage and highlight its successes.

The former Health and Human Services secretary spoke to seniors at the Westminster-Thurber Community and reminded them to look into their options and make an enrollment decision before the May 15th enrollment deadline.

According to Thompson, since enrollment for Medicare’s new prescription drug coverage began on November 15, 2005, more than 27.5 million people with Medicare now have prescription drug coverage, including 1.9 million who have enrolled in Medicare drug coverage in the last 30 days. Recent enrollment figures show that more than 1.2 million Ohio seniors and people living with disabilities have prescription drug coverage due to Medicare.

“It’s very encouraging to see the enrollment numbers steadily increasing,” said Thompson. “This shows that the original promise of bringing prescription drug coverage to all Medicare beneficiaries is becoming a reality. With the May 15th enrollment deadline fast approaching, I encourage all people with Medicare to look at their options and pick a Medicare drug plan that’s best for them.”

Also invited to join the program was Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-OH 15th). Representative Pryce commented, “I am delighted to see so many Ohio Medicare beneficiaries, and particularly those in the Columbus area, joining and benefiting from the new Medicare Benefit. I commend the Westminster-Thurber Community for presenting this important education program as we head toward the May 15th deadline.”

Joining Secretary Thompson was Columbus senior Dave Winslow, who shared his personal story and the positive benefits he has experienced since enrolling in a Medicare prescription drug plan. “The Medicare drug benefit has made a significant change in my life,” said Winslow. “I will save approximately $3,300 dollars this year under Medicare Part D. In addition to the savings, I also have peace of mind that I have coverage in the event that I need additional medicines now or in the future.”

Also joining Thompson was Health and Human Services Regional Director David O’Brien and Steve LeMoine, executive director, Westminster-Thurber Community.

“Local community events, which highlight the successes of Medicare drug coverage, are important in further educating Ohioans about their new Medicare choices,” said O’Brien. “Help in understanding these new choices is available through 1-800-MEDICARE and local resources located right here in Columbus and throughout the state of Ohio. People with Medicare should take advantage of these resources so they can make an informed decision that best meets their health care needs.”

Individuals and families can learn more about the Medicare benefit by calling 1-800-Medicare or by visiting http://www.medicare.gov/.

The event was sponsored by the Westminster-Thurber Community, a continuing care retirement community. Secretary Thompson’s appearance was sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

Tommy Thompson, the former Health and Human Services secretary and four- term governor of Wisconsin, is a partner at the law firm of Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld, LLP, and is the independent chairman of the new Deloitte Center for Health Care Solutions.

Westminster-Thurber Community is located in the Victorian Village neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio. Westminster-Thurber is a continuing care retirement community with various housing options including apartments, assisted living, special care for Alzheimer’s and other memory- related disorders, and skilled nursing care.

Source: Westminster-Thurber Community

Topics Ohio