Friday, Jan.13, 2006
Contact: Spence Jackson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Calls on Federal Government to Protect Medicare Recipients
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today wrote U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Michael Leavitt asking him to take immediate action to ensure Missouri Medicare recipients are protected in light of problems with the implementation of their Part D program.
"I know the administration is aware of the challenges states are facing with this new program but we must have assurance that those in need will not be ignored," Blunt said.
To provide temporary relief Blunt has directed the Department of Social Services to add some of the affected recipients who are both Medicare and Medicaid eligible back onto the state Medicaid roll until the federal government corrects several problems within Part D.
The details regarding how to access this transitional program for critical need for those that are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid will be released in the near future by the Department of Social Services. Individuals with critical need should continue to call 1-800-MEDICARE.
In addition to contacting Leavitt, Blunt’s office also contacted Missouri’s congressional delegation urging them to support the governor’s call for prompt decisive action from Washington.
A copy of Blunt’s letter to Leavitt is attached.
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