The Make Medicare Work Coalition Governors Conference on Aging December 2009

Make Medicare Work Coalition Created as a collaboration to address and influence the impact of Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) on people in Illinois Brings together aging and disability service providers Marries education/outreach with policy advocacy Targets underserved groups

MMW Funders The Chicago Community Trust Michael Reese Health Trust The Retirement Research Foundation With additional support from the National Council on Aging

Who We Are: Leadership AgeOptions Progress Center for Independent Living Health & Disability Advocates

Who We Are: Participants More than 260 organizations (600+ people) Aging and disability service providers and advocates Healthcare providers, social service agencies, disease- specific groups, ethnically-based agencies, senior/community centers, housing, advocacy groups, local governments/ municipalities, pharmacy groups, elected officials, faith-based organizations, academic centers, schools of pharmacy and medicine, nutrition networks. State and federal agencies Policy and research groups

What We Do Gather and create accurate, practical, unbiased, accessible information and materials Educate Medicare consumers, service providers and policymakers Provide training and technical support for professionals and volunteers Bring field experience to policymakers Advocate for laws and policies that assure affordable access to comprehensive drug coverage for all people with Medicare Target underserved groups

MMW Materials Bulletins and Alerts Topical Briefs Q & A for coalition member newsletters E-News Fact sheets/ counseling tools for service providers Educational pieces for people with Medicare and flyers inviting them to get help

MMW Meetings and Trainings Annual Summit Quarterly In-Person Meetings Phone Conferences Policy Meetings, Work Group Meetings or Phone Calls Trainings

Success Factors – Why the MMW Works Everyone participates at their own level Strong shared mission – leave politics at the door Support from state and federal agencies – communication channel that reaches beyond traditional networks Materials are practical and as simple as possible Plain language Includes the so what

Some MMW Accomplishments: Education and Outreach Directly reached over 350,000 and indirectly reached another 250,000 Medicare consumers Presented at 3,000+ group education events attended by 150,000 Medicare consumers Reached about 10,000 professionals and volunteers through training events Directly assisted about 25,000 people to enroll in Part D and assisted with more than 80,000 applications for other benefits

Some MMW Accomplishments: Policy Early in Part D rollout Development of Illinois Cares Rx Advocacy with Governors Office to provide emergency coverage during initial roll-out of Part D First legislation in nation to convert persons on ADAP to a State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program. Expansion of Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities Invited to testify before U.S. Congress on Medicare Part D extra help – disability perspective Advocated extensively for continued coverage of Medicare beneficiaries by drug manufacturer patient assistance programs through Town Hall Meetings and testimony

MMW Advocacy and Policy in 2009 HB Illinois Cares Rx (ICRx) one program for everyone with Medicare (seniors and disabled) Increased income eligibility limits for all Circuit Breaker and ICRx income limits the same Allow Medicare beneficiaries who work andmedically improve to maintain healthcare coverage.

MMW Education and Outreach in 2010 Maintain and grow the Coalition Find and reach underserved populations (low income, safety net provider users, Deaf or hard-of-hearing, mental health/psychiatric service consumers, limited–English speakers) Provide information and technical support through the Resource Center

2010 Advocacy Issues More efficient and effective enrollment and re- enrollment procedures for Illinois Cares Rx Coordinate with state on outreach strategies for Medicare Savings Programs and new ICRx benefits/income limits Assure Illinois Medicare beneficiaries are represented in national discussions on healthcare reform Medicare coverage for hearing aids Medicare Advocacy Better coordination between state and federal on communications to consumers.

Terri Gendel Director, Benefits & Advocacy AgeOptions Thanks!!