Bush Education Officials Continue Outreach Efforts for National Medicare Prescription Drug Plan

In preparation for enrollment beginning Nov. 15, outreach educates low-income, Medicare-eligible beneficiaries, including those served by the U.S. Department of Education.

November 14, 2005, As part of the national campaign to highlight the benefits of the Medicare prescription drug program, offices throughout the U.S. Department of Education are working to ensure that eligible Americans are informed of the details of the new plan.

“The U.S. Department of Education will continue to reach out to eligible Americans engaged in adult education by informing them of this new method to gain access to improved healthcare,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. “By stepping up our efforts, we will help seniors and individuals with disabilities achieve a healthier future for themselves and their families.”

On Dec. 8, 2003, President Bush signed the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement, and Modernization Act (MMA), which will offer all Medicare beneficiaries access to subsidized drug coverage beginning Jan. 1, 2006. To receive the benefit, participants must sign up between Nov. 15 and the end of the year.

The Office of Vocational and Adult Education is leading the Department’s efforts to reach Americans who are involved with education programs and who may be eligible for the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Benefit through public, electronic and Web-based outreach.

Outreach efforts at the Department of Education are continuing to expand, including the Office of Innovation and Improvement sending electronic Prescription Drug Plan information to its Parental Information and Resource Centers and providing links to the Center for Medicare Services (CMS) Web site.

The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services also continues to urge its grantees to sign up eligible beneficiaries. The Office of Vocational and Adult Education is contacting its adult education and secondary education transition constituents and providing online information about the enrollment period. Lastly, the National Center on Secondary Education Transition will send out information in its electronic newsletter.

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U.S. Department of Education

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