Federal Issues

 

The Central Illinois Chapter is affiliated with the National Alzheimer's Association headquartered in Chicago with a Public Policy Division in Washington, DC. The Public Policy Division provides leadership on Alzheimer's related issues before the federal government for the 81 chapters across the nation. Our primary issues are research, Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care and family support. For monthly updates, go to www.alz.org/advocacy.

FEDERAL UPDATE

Medicare Drug Benefit Facts

Drug Benefit:  $250 - enrollee deductible

                     $251-$2,250 - 25% enrollee co-payment

                      $2251 - $5100 - 100% enroll payment

                      Above $5100 - 5% enroll co-payment

Benefits begin on January 1, 2006. Benefits will only be provided through private entities, either through a stand-alone drug plan or a managed care plan [ e.g. HMO or PPO]. There will be an estimated monthly premium of $37. Medicaid will no longer cover prescription drugs for recipients who are eligible for Medicaid and Medicare [called dual eligibles.] This population will receive drug coverage through the new Medicare drug benefit. Medicaid and low-income beneficiaries will pay no premium or minimal co-payments.

Dates for Implementation of Medicare Drug Benefit

Spring 2005 - Social Security Administration [SSA] sends beneficiaries letters about low-income subsidies.

Fall 2005 - CMS sends letters to Medicaid and Medicare beneficiaries about new Medicare drug benefit.

October 15, 2005 - Drug plans begin marketing to Medicare beneficiaries for enrollment in plans.

November 15, 2005 - May 15, 2006 - Enrollment open season for prescription drug plans.

January 1, 2006 - Medicare drug benefit begins. Medicaid coverage of drugs for dual eligibilities ends.

 

Federal Legislation

The Reagan Act was re-introduced this past spring, seeking an additional $1.4 million in research.  There are 46 House and 43 Senate co-sponsors.

For more information click on these links:

http://www.alz.org/advocacy  www.medicare.gov   http://www.cms.gov

TO BECOME AN ADVOCATE FOR ALZHEIMER'S FAMILIES, CALL THE ALZHEIMER'S ASSOCIATION, 309-681-1100, 800-272-3900 or CLICK ON 'SIGN UP TO BE AN ADVOCATE' BELOW.

 

Contact your Federal Legislators today!

U.S. Senate : http://www.senate.gov
U.S. House Of Representatives :  http://www.house.gov/
White House:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/

 

 

 

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