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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information Forging ahead with prescription coverage for elders
By State Rep. Daniel E. Bosley (Dem.)
Many changes may be in store over the coming months, and this could mean significant changes in health care and the cost of living for seniors. One bit of reassuring news is that Social Security recipients will see an increase in monthly checks next year. Come January, the checks will show a 2.7% increase, which will be an average of $25. However, we must not lose sight of the serious concerns imposed by the cost of rising medical costs, higher taxes, and the mandated increase in the retirement age. As we head into 2005, the Massachusetts Legislature is working on a wide variety of issues for seniors. Maintaining vital resources, such as housing, transportation, and health care for elders is critical to our society, as is keeping seniors in the community, in their homes and hopefully living active lifestyles.
With the large number of “baby boomers” soon turning 65, the need for these resources is more important than ever. Massachusetts is facing numerous issues concerning seniors, but the one I would like to address here is the topic of prescription drug coverage.
A critical initiative for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in FY’06 is to keep the Prescription Advantage Program going strong. Last year, Governor Romney vetoed the Prescription Advantage Program, a move that would have left thousands of seniors without drug coverage. The Massachusetts Legislature fought hard, and we were able to override the Governor’s veto and keep the Prescription Advantage Program alive.
The Bush Administration has passed a new Medicare Drug Law that is set to go into effect January 1, 2006. The details of this new Medicare Drug Law are not easily understood. It is worrisome, because while some will benefit from it, it will not be helpful to everyone. The logistics of this program are still being worked out, and there is a lot that is unclear, specifically how the benefit is going to be administered and what the levels of coverage will be.
The Prescription Advantage Program is designed to assist those age 65 and older to afford the high costs of prescription drugs. Members of the program pay premiums and co-payments based on their annual household income. This unique program also places an annual out-of-pocket spending limit on the amount a member pays toward his or her prescription drugs.
The program, first introduced in the Legislature in 1992, started enrolling seniors in 1997. It is intended for those seniors who are not receiving prescription drug benefits under Medicaid. I co-sponsored the initial legislation to implement and fund senior prescription coverage from its onset in the early 1990s. The Prescription Advantage Program has more extensive coverage than the Medicare program will have, which is why it is essential to keep this successful program alive.
It is too early to fully understand what impact the federal Medicare Drug Law will have on seniors and their coverage. However, we cannot wait. The Massachusetts Legislature must take a proactive approach to providing prescription coverage for our seniors before it is too late. We will continue to explore programs and funding for seniors, specifically, affordable prescription drug coverage. On that note, here is wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season.