August 22, 2006      
                                    
Representative Atsalis Announces Prescription Advantage Open Enrollment

Prescription Advantage, the Commonwealth’s pharmacy assistance program administered by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, will conduct an Open Enrollment beginning September 15th, 2006 through November 15th, 2006.  This is the second open enrollment since Prescription Advantage became the program that wraps around Medicare Part D, the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.

“I hope that those in our community who are eligible to participate in this program will take full advantage of all that it has to offer.  This is a great opportunity for them to make the decision to opt into a system that has proven to work for the elderly, a system that saves them money by lowering their prescription drug costs,” said Rep. Atsalis.

Prior to Jan. 1, when Medicare Part D took effect, Prescription Advantage was the state’s prescription drug insurance program, providing primary coverage for seniors and younger disabled individuals who meet specific income requirements. The new Prescription Advantage “wraps around” or supplements the Medicare prescription drug benefit for Medicare eligible individuals by helping to pay for co-payments and coverage gaps in an individual’s Part D plan.  Those with limited income may also be eligible to receive help paying for Medicare Part D plan premiums. For those who are not eligible for Medicare, Prescription Advantage will provide primary coverage that is comparable to Medicare Part D plans.

Prescription Advantage Open Enrollment will run from September 15th, 2006 through November 15th, 2006.  Those seeking more information or an application should call 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636) or TTY for the deaf and hard of hearing at 1-877-610-0241.