Bush Urges Seniors to Choose a Drug Plan Now

President Bush yesterday urged U.S. seniors to select one of the new Medicare prescription drug plans prior to the May 15 deadline. Estimates show that about 7 million eligible seniors and disabled persons have yet to sign up.

While the prescription drug program has been criticized for its complexity and mind-numbing array of over 40 coverage options, polls show it gaining in popularity as more than 31 million people have signed up. The standard benefit has a premium of about $32 a month with a $250 deductible.

President Bush has consistently defended the wide variety of plans available as the best way to allow consumers to meet their individual health care needs. “In other words, one size fits all is not a consumer-friendly program,” Bush told a gathering at Florida’s Sun City Center.

When asked if he would extend the May 15 signup deadline, the President stated, “Deadlines help people understand there's finality, and people need to get after it, you know?”

Last week, the Bush administration announced it would waive penalty fees for very low-income seniors and people with disabilities who miss the May 15 deadline.

For more information or assistance in signing up, you can call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Phone: (800) 633-4227 -- TTY users: (877) 486-2048.

Also See: Extra Help for Those On Low Incomes