Health official pushes Part D Medicare plan DHHS: May 15 deadline looms

BANGOR – A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services official visiting the Eastern Agency on Aging urged beneficiaries on Wednesday to take advantage of the Medicare Part D program before the May 15 deadline.

Brian Cresta, DHHS regional director, toured the Bangor facility as part of a public relations visit, lauding the agency’s help in assisting so many beneficiaries with complicated decisions.

Cresta’s largest concern, however, was the coming deadline.

“The enrollment deadline is not going to move from May 15,” Cresta warned.

Asked why the deadline wouldn’t be extended to allow more people to sign up for the program, Cresta responded that the plan wasn’t for everyone.

“We fully expect that some people will not take advantage of this benefit. This is an insurance plan, and some may decide not to take it,” the federal official said.

EAA officials said 66 percent of the potential beneficiaries in the four counties – Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington – for which Eastern Agency on Agency provides assistance, already have signed up for coverage.

The average Medicare beneficiary enrolled in the program experiences an average saving of approximately 50 percent in health care costs, Cresta said.

In Maine, a beneficiary sharing his or her experiences with others is the best form of advertising for the program, EAA Executive Director Noelle Merrill said.

“A lot of people are skeptical of the program, and they have to see from neighbors that they’re saving money,” Merrill said.

After stating that the nation is “well on its way to having a good, strong Medicare program,” Cresta made an appearance in a counseling session during which a volunteer helped Frances Smith, 92, of Bangor choose the appropriate program for her needs.

Smith was accompanied by her son-in-law, David Glass of Sorrento, whose presence, she said, was a great help.

“Some of this stuff I can’t get my head around,” she admitted. “I couldn’t do it without him.”

Both agreed that they couldn’t have made any decisions without the assistance of Gary Page of Old Town, a volunteer who has spent hours every week since November aiding beneficiaries with their decision making.

“I’ve had people in tears and confused to the point of borderline anger,” Page said. “The whole point is allowing them to make an informed decision and take the time for them to figure it out.”

Reassuring people that Part D is an insurance program, not a charity, is important to stress to the prideful residents of Maine, the volunteer said.

“I have to explain to them that this is an insurance program,” he said. “People here in the state don’t want anything given to them. They rather have nothing than accept a smack of charity.”