State extends hours for queries about Medicare Part D transition

AUGUSTA – For the second time in three weeks, the Baldacci administration is extending the hours for the state to field phone calls from Mainers who need help and advice as they make the transition to Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage.

A toll-free line’s hours of operation were extended earlier this month after it became jammed with thousands of calls from Mainers with questions about the new federal program. On Dec. 6, the state boosted the staff of those fielding calls, increased weekday hours and opened the lines on Saturdays.

On Tuesday, the administration announced that phones will be staffed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Sunday, Jan. 1, and from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2.

In addition, the state has received authorization from the federal government to evaluate the drug plans assigned to Maine’s seniors and the disabled under Part D, and to re-enroll them in plans better suited to their needs.

“Maine is the only state in the nation taking this proactive step to protect our seniors and disabled, and the state’s evaluations and reassignments are improving their coverage,” Gov. John Baldacci said.

The governor said that 10,000 Maine residents would have received 60 percent or less of the drugs that were covered under state programs. But after the state’s reassignment process, at least 97 percent of the drugs will be covered, he said.

As of New Year’s Day, 45,000 of Maine’s low-income seniors and disabled will no longer receive prescription drug coverage from the MaineCare program, and must enroll in Medicare Part D.

Also, 22,000 beneficiaries of Maine’s Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled program are receiving help signing up for Medicare Part D. State health officials will advise them on Part D programs that may increase their coverage so they can switch coverage plans.

Baldacci said the Medicare Part D program has made it more difficult for the state to provide medications to low-income and elderly Mainers. The administration has also said the federal program will provide access to drug coverage for 150,000 more Mainers.

“We will do our very best to help our citizens get the best coverage possible within the limits of this new federal program,” Baldacci said.

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