Brown calls for immediate extension of Medicare Rx deadline

Tuesday, April 18, 2006

AMHERST-Congressman Sherrod Brown (D-Lorain County) today called on President George W. Bush to immediately extend the deadline for enrollment in the Medicare prescription drug benefit, Medicare Part D.

Unless the law is changed, seniors who sign up for Medicare Part D after the May 15 deadline will suffer a late penalty that permanently increases their monthly premiums.

"This plan was written by drug companies, for drug companies, with seniors as an afterthought," Brown said. "With the confusion and frustration created by Medicare Part D, it is clear that seniors deserve more, not less, time to make this decision."

Seniors attempting to enroll in the program have encountered a dizzying array of private plans. Many have reported waiting on hold for hours when calling help lines.

Only one third of eligible seniors have voluntarily signed up for the program.

"In every corner of Ohio, seniors have spoken out against this fundamentally flawed program," Brown said. "We need to solve the problems in Medicare Part D-not penalize seniors for taking time to enroll."

Brown sent a letter to President Bush yesterday calling for the deadline to be extended. He is working with colleagues in both houses of Congress to push for the change.

The senior Democrat on the House Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee, Brown helped lead opposition to the legislation in 2003. This year, he has worked with pharmacists, doctors, and seniors across Ohio to call for reforms of the program.

Brown is co-sponsor of a bill that would allow seniors to receive drug benefits directly through Medicare, bypassing the private insurance market altogether. He also co-sponsors a bill that would allow the government to negotiate lower drug prices, which the current program prohibits.

"By failing to immediately extend the deadline, the president is in effect forcing seniors to choose between substandard coverage and paying a penalty," Brown said. "I don't think that's what seniors meant by wanting more choices."

Brown is running for U.S. Senate against Republican Mike DeWine.

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