From: "Martinez-Fonts, Diana (CMS)" To: "Goon, Julie L. (CMS)" Cc: "Kegler, Elizabeth R. (CMS)" Subject: CALL TO ACTION: Help for Those with Limited Income & Resources Date: Wednesday, June 01, 2005 4:08 PM At a news briefing held today, Secretary of Health and Human Services, Mike Leavitt and CMS Administrator, Dr. Mark McClellan, along with the Access to Benefits Coalition including the Alzheimers Association, Easter Seals, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, and AARP launched a major outreach effort to ensure that low income Medicare beneficiaries are informed of the availability of a subsidy to provide them with extra assistance in obtaining drugs under the Part D Prescription Drug Benefit. Attached please find a Call to Action from Dr. McClellan as well as a statement by the Access to Benefits Coalition. <> <> Also attached are links to the documents that were released at the news media briefing to raise awareness about the drug benefit and extra help that will be available for beneficiaries with limited income and steps they will need to take to receive in paying for prescription drugs. 1. The SSA Application- http://www.socialsecurity.gov/organizations/medicareoutreach2/Medicare%2 0App%20Form_1020_INST2.pdf 2. Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Calendar- http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/medicarerxcalendar5-31.pdf 3. Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Basics- http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/drug%20coverage%205-31.p 4. Quick Facts for people with limited Income & Resources- http://www.cms.hhs.gov/medicarereform/factsheets.asp