WASHINGTON --- Sen. Chuck Grassley said today that another $214,268 in federal funds is on its way to Iowa to help Medicare beneficiaries sort through their options with the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
The grant award was made to the Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program based on the strong performance of Iowa’s SHIIP over the last year. It is the second highest amount of money among the 13 “Performance Plus” grants awarded nationwide today.
“This program in Iowa provides vitally important, hands-on assistance for Medicare beneficiaries who are interested in the new prescription drug program,” Grassley said. “The Iowa SHIIP volunteers and staff, led by Kris Gross, are committed and very effective. This award recognizes their dedication to assisting beneficiaries in learning about their Medicare benefits. I want to do what I can to help these SHIIP volunteers and staff continue their good work so that as many seniors as possible can take advantage of the savings and peace of mind that are available from the new prescription drug program.”
Grassley is chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, where he authored the Medicare legislation that created the prescription drug benefit. He has worked to provide adequate resources to state health insurance information programs nationwide. The pending Grassley bill to waive the enrollment penalty in the next Medicare Part D sign up period would authorize an additional $13 million in funding for counseling those eligible for the program’s low-income benefits and those living in rural areas.
Grassley said the Medicare prescription drug program has been a success in Iowa, with the vast majority of Medicare beneficiaries now having coverage. Plans are available in Iowa with premiums as low as $1.87 a month.
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