Bradley Honored for Work on Improving Medicare Part D

BRADLEY HONORED FOR WORK ON IMPROVING MEDICARE PART D

(Manchester, NH) - First District Congressman Jeb Bradley was honored at a breakfast this morning by the New Hampshire Independent Case Managers Association (NHICMA) for his efforts on behalf of New Hampshire seniors to improve the prescription drug benefit under Medicare. Bradley has introduced three bills in the House of Representatives to remedy implementation problems associated with the new prescription drug benefit.

Independent case managers provide a critical service by helping seniors transition from prescription drug coverage under Medicaid to coverage under Medicare Part D. Carolyn Virtue, spokesperson for NHICMA, stated, "NHICMA is pleased to applaud Congressman Bradley's efforts on behalf of the Medicare beneficiaries we serve. Congressman Bradley listened to our concerns relative to the implementation of Medicare Part D and immediately moved forward to address them by facilitating communication with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Congressman Bradley's willingness to introduce legislation to extend the enrollment deadline and waive the late enrollment penalty exemplifies his commitment to our consumers and we sincerely appreciate his continued dedication to making Medicare Part D the benefit it was intended to be."

Bradley has helped lead the fight in Congress on a number of initiatives that aim to improve Medicare Part D. Bradley has introduced legislation in the House that would eliminate barriers in the law that preclude the federal government from reimbursing New Hampshire and other states for emergency expenditures for Medicare Part D. He has also introduced legislation to extend the enrollment deadline for three months and waive the late enrollment penalty until January 1, 2007.

In addition, Bradley has sent a letter to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' Administrator Mark McClellan asking for a regulatory change that would give nursing home providers and consulting pharmacists the ability to provide advice and assistance regarding the benefit to residents with cognitive impairments. Currently, these professionals are prohibited from assisting residents in selecting and enrolling in a plan.

"I am honored to be recognized by the NHICMA for my efforts to make the Medicare prescription drug benefit more efficient for seniors, but it is really the case managers and volunteers who deserve the most credit. They are out there every day helping seniors to make good choices about a plan that best fits their needs and providing transitional help to seniors who are dually-eligible for Medicaid and Medicare," stated Bradley. "I will continue investigating ways to improve this program so that even more seniors can experience the savings on prescription drugs that so many others already have."

http://www.house.gov/bradley/20060508_main.html