Senate News Update
From Senator Jane Earll
February 8, 2005

New Healthcare Publications Now Available 

Late last year, the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council (PHC4) and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging released an updated publication to help older Pennsylvanians choose a Medicare Managed Care Plan.  This report is designed to help explain the Medicare Managed Care Plan options that are available to older Pennsylvanians.

There are so many choices facing older consumers today.  This independent perspective on the many different plans available in the Commonwealth will make it easier for consumers to find the best and most affordable plan to meet their needs.

Jointly issued by the PHC4 and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, Choosing a Medicare Managed Care Plan lists the many managed care plans by region, provides comparisons on monthly premiums and co-payments, gives an overview of the benefits offered, and lists information about several quality measurements, as well as the results of patient satisfaction surveys.

New to this year's report is information about the Prescription Drug Discount Card program, which will be offered to Medicare-eligible consumers until the full prescription benefit begins in 2006.  The publication is available online at www.phc4.org (click on the "Western Pennsylvania" report, or at www.aging.state.pa.us. A free hardcopy report may be obtained by calling PHC4 at (717) 232-6787, or the Department of Aging's APPRISE health insurance counseling service, toll-free, at 1-800-783-7067.

In addition to that, my office has a publication entitled Directory of Pharmaceutical Manufacturer's Indigent Patient Programs, which contains information about free drug programs offered by drug companies.  Many restrictions apply, and if you have prescription drug coverage or qualify for PACE, you may not be eligible for these programs.  But, if you or someone you know is in need of assistance, it may be worth your while to see what is available.

As always, if you have any questions on this or any other state government matter, please do not hesitate to contact my office directly at (814) 453-2515.