From Deseret News archives:

Leavitt in Utah to explain Rx plan

He's touring U.S. to answer questions, educate the elderly

Published: Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2005 9:06 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
On a large bus covered with pictures of senior citizens, U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (and former Utah Gov.) Mike Leavitt came back to the Beehive State Tuesday in an effort to educate the elderly on Medicare's new prescription drug coverage.

"This is a different way we're beginning to look at health care. This is a very significant change in our country. Rather than focusing on treating people after they're sick, we're going to prevent illness and keep them healthy," Leavitt said to a large group of senior citizens at the Columbus South Salt Lake Senior Center.

Utah was a stop on Leavitt's national Mobile Office Tour, during which he has hosted public meetings, answered questions and educated officials on the new and complex changes to Medicare. Leavitt will travel to 30 states by the end of the month.

Under the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, government-sponsored insurance benefits will change drastically for roughly a quarter of a million Utahns. Since its formation 40 years ago, Medicare has provided coverage to those over age 65 for doctor visits, hospital stays and surgery. Starting in 2006, Medicare will offer prescription drug coverage.

Story continues below
"Pharmaceutical prices are going up at triple inflation. Finally, there's going to be some force that's going to start moving them down. I believe this prescription drug benefit will save seniors money because the competitive forces of the market are already driving them down," Leavitt said, noting that in the past week, the national average monthly premium for the new plan has been reduced from $37 to $32.

Numerous community officials, agencies and departments joined Leavitt in a partnership meeting before the event to learn more about educating and enrolling Utah's seniors.

"I don't mean to trivialize in any way the complexity (of the changes). It is going to be challenging," said Dr. David Sundwall, director of the Utah Department of Health. "It is going to require some homework. I think it's going to take some time on the part of those who are entitled to this and their families to help figure out what is the best for them."

As part of what Leavitt hopes will ensure a "national conversation," he urged the public to assist seniors in learning about the benefits.

"We have to reach every senior," he said. "No matter what language they speak, no matter where they live, no matter what their economic circumstance is, we have a very, very important job. . . . We need help here. We need to reach 41 million people between now and May 15."

Comments

You can be the first to comment on this story.

Image

Mike Leavitt speaks to a group of senior citizens Tuesday at the Columbus South Salt Lake Senior Center.

Related content
previousnext

Latest comments

It's hard to factor in BYU stats when 70% of BYU students aren't actually...

Blow the dust off your specs. He's also 6-2 and weighs 235. Not like the...

Hey, Doug G., sometimes doing nothing is BETTER than doing something,...

Y. tight ends talented tandem

Bite your ute tongue!

One of the strange misconceptions people have on this site is the idea that...

So how is this this enforced? Young people with sporadic income and jobs, no...

First, Utahans...take this opportunity for NO TAXES on unprepared food. ...

Gays get Mormon support in SLC

["He placed thorns in my flesh to teach me humility"] wow. you should sue...

This is about Kelly, not Brady. Brady is playing with the Packers.

Gays get Mormon support in SLC

It's a start. Now keep going.

Advertisements
Advertisement