People Entitled to Subsidized Meds Not Getting Them

SAN FRANCISCO – Low-income families in California are not taking advantage of a subsidy available to help them pay for medications.

This component of Medicare’s drug insurance program is crucial for many who can’t afford medications, yet according to a recent survey, half of those who qualify aren’t aware that the program exists.

Speaking before a dozen Northern California-based ethnic media at the offices of New America Media Dec. 20, Andrew Nannis, AARP’s senior manager of media relations, urged reporters to let their readers know that the complexities of the so-called Part D program should not deter Californians from applying for it.

“We want to make sure all who are eligible receive this valuable help,” Nannis said.

AARP’s partner, the statewide Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program, has a toll-free number (1-800-433-0222) with multilingual volunteer operators who can walk callers through the program. Elaine Wong Eakin, who formerly worked at HICAP but is currently a project manager with California Health Advocates, noted that additional volunteers are welcome.

People can also call Medicare (1-800-MEDICARE) or the Social Security Administration (1-800-772-1213) to find out how to enroll. AARP itself has a “Quick Link” online program that explains how Part D works.

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