Government

Medicare drug enrollment surges

NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 26, 2006

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More than 2 million Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in the program's drug benefit in the final 15 days leading up to last month's deadline, federal officials reported.

The last-minute surge brought the number of seniors and disabled people receiving government help with their drug bills to about 38.7 million, out of roughly 43 million who are eligible for the benefit.

Only about 11 million enrollees, however, signed up for a stand-alone drug plan. The remainder were automatically enrolled in a plan or received their coverage through a former employer, managed care plan or other source.

Medicare Part D numbers likely will not increase much until after Nov. 15, when the open enrollment period for the 2007 calendar year begins for all beneficiaries. Roughly 3 million beneficiaries who are eligible for special low-income subsidies can sign up before then even though they missed the deadline, and those turning 65 can enroll in drug coverage as soon as they join Medicare.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2006/06/26/gvbf0626.htm.

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