Connecticut Lawmaker Urges State to Help Seniors Set to Lose Rx Drug Coverage in 2002

State Sen. Donald Williams (D) has urged the Connecticut Department of Social Services and Commission on Aging to identify Medicare+Choice beneficiaries who will lose prescription drug coverage after Dec. 31 -- when two HMOs plan to withdraw from Medicare+Choice in the state -- so that eligible beneficiaries can enroll in ConnPACE, Connecticut's prescription drug program for seniors, the Worcester Telegram & Gazette reports. According to Williams, ConnectiCare and MedSpan Health Options intend to drop Medicare+Choice plans in the state next year, which would leave about 39,000 seniors without prescription drug coverage, which is not provided under the traditional Medicare program. Williams also said that in February, when the new legislative session begins, state Senate Democrats plan to introduce a proposal to speed a planned expansion of ConnPACE benefits set to take effect in April. "We have essentially returned to the time that Medicare is the sole provider of basic health care services for seniors and private providers have abandoned the policies that contain prescription drug benefits," he said, adding, "We must take action to ensure that seniors have adequate health care" (Worcester Telegram & Gazette, 9/21). ConnPACE currently covers seniors with incomes up to 180% of the federal poverty level, or $15,462 for an individual (Kaiser Daily Health Policy Report, 3/19).