For Immediate Release
September 8, 2005
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Contacts:
GMHC: Noel Alicea, 212.367.1216
NYAC: Christina Kazanas, 212.629.3075 x104 |
GMHC AND NYAC KICK OFF "MEDICARE
ROAD SHOW"
Presentations across the state aim to inform HIV+ New Yorkers
about the new Medicare Part D drug benefit
Today, Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) and the New York AIDS Coalition
(NYAC) announced the details of their statewide "Medicare Road
Show," a series of presentations for HIV-positive Medicare beneficiaries,
case workers, and advocates who want to learn more about the new
Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. The addition of Part
D to Medicare is the most dramatic change to the program since
its inception and is likely to have a significant impact on the
estimated 10,000–20,000 HIV-positive New Yorkers who are enrolled
in Medicare.
"This Road Show is the best way for GMHC and NYAC to spread the
word as quickly as possible that Medicare is changing, and everyone
needs to get ready for Part D come January 1, 2006," said Ana Oliveira,
Executive Director of GMHC. "All HIV-positive New Yorkers on Medicare,
whether in Brooklyn or Buffalo, Binghamton or the Bronx, will be
impacted by this change in prescription drug coverage and we are
getting out across the state to talk about how the benefit works,
and what to do now to prepare for its arrival."
Joe Pressley, the Executive Director of NYAC, added "This is a
complex benefit, made even more difficult to navigate if you have
Medicare and happen to get your drugs through another program,
like Medicaid or ADAP. There is a lot of information that needs
to be disseminated, and many questions that need answers. We hope
to bring people together to get the basics on Part D and talk through
some of the complex issues that it raises for people with HIV/AIDS."
GMHC and NYAC have been working together to ease the transition
for people with HIV/AIDS who will be enrolling in the Part D prescription
drug benefit in Medicare. On January 1, 2006, New Yorkers with
HIV/AIDS who have both Medicare and Medicaid will lose their Medicaid
drug coverage and will be automatically transitioned to the less
comprehensive Part D benefit. Similarly, for those enrolled in
both ADAP and Medicare, Part D will become their primary drug coverage.
Individuals who have Medicare only will have to decide whether
or not enrolling in a Medicare plan is the right decision. While
all antiretrovirals will be covered by Part D drug plans, all other
drugs used by people with HIV/AIDS will not necessarily be on formulary,
and certain cost-sharing requirements may apply to people who do
not meet low-income thresholds.
GMHC's and NYAC's Road Show will be in the following areas: Bronx
(9/12), Mid-Hudson Valley (9/13), Binghamton (9/15), Staten Island
(10/3), Rochester (10/6), Manhattan (10/12), Brooklyn (10/13),
Queens (10/18), Syracuse (10/19), and Buffalo (10/24). These presentations
are open to the public. For more information about specific event
details, contact Christina Kazanas at NYAC at 212.629.3075 x104
or Laura Caruso at GMHC at 212.367.1228.
* * *
Gay Men's Health Crisis (GMHC) is a not-for-profit, volunteer-supported
and community-based organization committed to national leadership
in the fight against AIDS. Our mission is to reduce the spread
of HIV disease, help people with HIV maintain and improve their
health and independence, and keep the prevention, treatment and
cure of HIV an urgent national and local priority. In fulfilling
this mission, we will remain true to our heritage by fighting homophobia
and affirming the individual dignity of all gay men and lesbians.
We provide services and programs to over 15,000 men, women and
families that are living with or affected by HIV/AIDS in New York
City.
© 2005 Gay Men's Health Crisis
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