Congresswoman Hochul Speaks Directly With Over 8,000 WNY Constituents About Medicare

Press Release

Renewing her pledge to protect Western New York's seniors, Congresswoman Kathy Hochul today hosted a Telephone Town Hall with over 8,000 seniors across New York's 26th Congressional District, where she spoke about Medicare benefits, the end of open enrollment tomorrow, and the prescription drug "donut hole."

"This Telephone-Town Hall gave me the opportunity to hear from residents, from Williamsville to Dansville, and listen to their questions and concerns about Medicare," said Congresswoman Hochul. "Today, I was also able to tell over 8,000 Western New York seniors that they and nearly 167,000 other New York seniors have saved an average of $650 on prescription drugs since the prescription drug "donut hole' began to close this year."

The nearly 175,000 Medicare beneficiaries in New York State have already received discounts on brand-name prescriptions, totaling over $113 million in savings.

Nationwide, the closing of the prescription drug "donut hole" has saved more than 2.6 million Medicare recipients $1.5 billion on their prescription drugs this year -- an average of $569 per person.

During the call, Congresswoman Hochul and a representative from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also spoke about the end of open enrollment, which closes tomorrow at midnight.

Representative Hochul added, "I will continue to hold public forums so I have direct input from the people I represent and will continue the fight to protect Medicare against cuts to beneficiaries."

Constituents who were unable to participate in this call can always visit Congresswoman Hochul's website at www.hochul.house.gov or call her Williamsville (716-634-2324) or Greece (585-270-4828) offices for any additional information.

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