August 24, 2008-Minot Daily News
Relevant facts about the ad
Adam Hamm , Insurance Commissioner
Given the amount of misinformation that is circulating regarding the recent North Dakota Insurance Department ad, I feel it is important to address this matter. Here are the relevant facts regarding the ad:
The ad was paid for by a supplemental federal grant that required 50 percent of the funding to be used to target low income Medicare beneficiaries. The Insurance Department had not planned on getting this funding.
The federal program that funded the ad, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, thoroughly reviewed our proposal for the grant. The ad cost was approximately one-third of the total amount and was explained in detail in the proposal. The ad is running in counties where CMS identified the highest amounts of low income Medicare beneficiaries eligible for the programs.
The Insurance Department tracks all of its inquiries and knows when Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) calls increase and decrease. It is correct that after Nov. 15, the open enrollment period begins and calls increase. However, the other very busy time is when beneficiaries reach the doughnut hole or coverage gap of their Part D plan, now usually in August and September. At that time, they must pay 100 percent of the cost of their prescriptions and the fact is many simply can’t do it. Informing those in need of assistance during this time is very important.
The reasons why we are seeing more North Dakotans reaching this coverage gap sooner are twofold: 1) the increased costs of medications result in the gap being hit sooner in the year; and 2) the plans themselves are implementing stricter guidelines on coverage of medications, which results in people having to look elsewhere for help.
The Insurance Department and I are extremely proud that we are reaching those in need through this ad. Since it began running, our weekly average number of individuals helped and applications completed have increased dramatically.
While I am relatively new to statewide office, I am not new to politics. I knew before the Insurance Department ad began to air that partisan criticism would predictably come my way. To me, the partisan criticism is worth it if the ad helps North Dakotans who need it.
Lastly, a large part of my job as Insurance Commissioner is to educate and inform people about the assistance the Insurance Department provides. Although it may not be easy in a politically charged election year, it’s what I promised to North Dakotans and I will continue to fulfill that promise every day.