With millions of Americans set to miss the May 15 cut-off date to sign up for Medicare's complicated new prescription drug program, dozens of organizations representing millions of members are calling on Congress to extend the enrollment deadline.
Those who miss the May 15 deadline will have to wait for the next sign-up period and face delayed coverage and higher premium costs, but the Bush administration says it won't extend the deadline for everyone.
Stabenow said that seniors all across Michigan have contacted her about the problems they are having with the Medicare prescription drug program.
Rep. Stark urged the Bush administration to extend enrollment through the end of the year and waive the late enrollment penalty for all Medicare beneficiaries.
"Rather than listen to the corporate interests that oppose the extension of the prescription drug enrollment deadline, the president ought to listen to seniors and people with disabilities who support it," said Rep. Stark.
Campaign for America's Future co-director Roger Hickey joined Sen.
Hickey announced the launch of a citizens' campaign, run by Americans United, to force all senators and members of Congress to tell their constituents where they stand on extending the deadline.
"Medicare's Part D is so hopelessly flawed that the enrollment deadline must be extended to give Congress time to fix this debacle," said Hickey.
"It's immoral to penalize seniors and the disabled for their failure to sign up for a plan that should have never been this difficult and confusing in the first place.
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