Maloney Warns About Part D Deadline

At a recent town hall meeting on the controversial new Medicare Part D prescription drug subsidy program, Congressmember Carolyn Maloney warned seniors present that if they don't join the program by the May 15 deadline, they face penalties.

"If you don't sign up now, but decide to enroll later [after May 15] your monthly premiums will go up 1 percent for every month past the deadline," she said.

"What's more," she added, "you won't even be allowed to enroll again until November 15-that's a minimum 7 percent penalty for the rest of your life. Wait another year and you'll tack another 12 percent on to that. By the time you really need coverage, it may be too expensive."

Maloney (D-Queens/Manhattan) voted against the law, and the bill that passed wasn't the bill she had hoped for. Maloney continued: "That's why we're saying that the 'D' in Medicare Part D stands for 'disaster." However, while this may not be a perfect plan, if you have significant drug costs-or could have significant costs in the future-it is better than nothing."

The town hall meeting was held in the Queensview NORC Community Room in Long Island City to help seniors navigate the "overly complex and extremely confusing" program.

Edo Banach, general counsel of the Medicare Rights Center, provided practical information and addressed many of the questions seniors and the disabled have with the program, which began January 1st.

Maloney also advised the seniors to determine whether they qualify for EPIC, the Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage. It's a state-sponsored program for seniors who need help paying for their prescriptions.