Radio Interview Opportunity: Seniors Find Better Coverage, Lower Costs During Medicare Open Enrollment

Thursday, October 27, 2011, 8:15 – 9:45 A.M. EDT

CMS Administrator Berwick Highlights Medicare Preventive Services, Extended Enrollment Period

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Thursday, October 27, 2011, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Donald Berwick, M.D., will be available for live or taped radio interviews to discuss Open Enrollment – now through December 7 – and how Medicare beneficiaries can compare health plans to find better coverage and lower costs. He will also discuss improvements to Medicare benefits and services as a result of the Affordable Care Act. Specific topics will include:

• The extended, earlier Open Enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7
• The online Plan Finder tool and other resources that help seniors choose the plan that best meets their unique needs
• Star-based quality ratings which help seniors choose the best-rated Medicare plans
• Better benefits, including free preventive screenings, an annual wellness visit and 50 percent discount on prescription drugs while in the donut hole
• Decreases in Medicare Advantage premiums

About Dr. Donald Berwick: Dr. Donald M. Berwick is Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Dr. Berwick oversees the Medicare, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Together, these programs provide care to nearly one in three Americans.

Suggested Questions:

• What is Open Enrollment and how is it different this year?
• What should beneficiaries look for when comparing plans?  What resources are available to help?
• What are some of the benefits that Medicare beneficiaries will enjoy in the coming year?
• How do costs for plans compare to last year?

WHO: Donald Berwick, M.D. – Administrator, CMS

WHAT: CMS Medicare Open Enrollment Radio Media Tour

WHEN: Thursday, October 27, 2011
8:15 – 9:45 A.M. EDT

Dr. Berwick is available for live or taped interviews during this time period.

SOURCE Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services