
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, March 14, 1992                   TAG: 9203140209
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: The Washington Post
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

POOR MEDICARE RECIPIENTS STILL PAY PREMIUMS

Two million Medicare beneficiaries below the poverty line are still paying hundreds, and in some cases thousands, of dollars a year out of their own pockets to cover their Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-payments.

Congress directed the states to pay these charges four years ago, according to a study released this week by Families USA, but only about half of the 4.2 million eligible are receiving the benefits, leaving 2 million uncovered.

"What should be an important protection for the elderly poor is still a government secret, denied to 2 million deserving older Americans," said Ron Pollack, executive director of the advocacy group on health care and income issues. He blamed the federal government for "foot-dragging" on steps to help the low-income elderly sign up for the special benefits.

Sen. Donald Riegle, D-Mich., announced this week he will push legislation along these lines.

by CNB