Many still lack Medicare Part D cards

WASHINGTON, Dec 14, 2005 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. insurers say government delays in handling applications for Medicare's new prescription drug benefit could create problems for users, a report said.

Insurance executives told the New York Times they have been unable to issue identification cards to some people who want to enroll by the Jan. 1 start of the Medicare Part D program.

While insurance officials said the government may have computer problems, a spokesman for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said insurer data errors caused some applications to be returned.

The agency is to confirm eligibility electronically by sending insurers a so-called transaction reply report, which a number of insurers said they had yet to receive.

Pharmacists said the lack of the cards likely would create problems for people taking part in the drug-benefit program.

All 42 million U.S. Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for the voluntary program. Coverage is to begin next month for those signed up by Dec. 31.

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