Prescription drugs are a critical component of 21st Century medicine for all Americans. The lack of prescription drug coverage under Medicare had been a significant flaw in the program for too long. The addition of a prescription drug benefit to Medicare is the most significant change in Medicare since its creation in the 1960s.

Nearly 24 million seniors are now enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan, a number that continues to rise. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, more than 2.6 million people signed up for the new prescription drug coverage in the last 30 days alone. Seniors who have signed up have already begun to see savings on both brand name and generic prescriptions. The overwhelming number of seniors anxious to see their savings far exceeded the number projected by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and is now expected to reach nearly 30 million enrollees in the first year.

Since coverage became effective on January 1 of this year, early data show that about 40,000 prescriptions an hour are being filled. Retail pharmacists nationwide have filled over 6 million prescriptions with many more being dispensed in nursing homes.

Not every senior has the same medical needs, which is why the Medicare prescription drug benefit program offers a wide variety of plans. So far, 57 percent of seniors who have signed up for a Medicare drug plan report that it was worth their time and effort to choose between the various plans, including the 18 plans offered in Nevada. Over 80 percent of seniors have found the various plans cover the drugs they need, and the majority of seniors who have enrolled in the new Medicare drug benefit program say that it will save them money on their prescriptions.

The new prescription drug plan is a historic change to Medicare. Obviously, many seniors have questions about the new program and their various options. Seniors not currently enrolled in a plan can obtain information by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or by visiting www.medicare.gov. The interactive website has helped millions of seniors quickly learn about the plans and which ones best meet their medical needs. In fact, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Mark B. McClellan reported that "since November, 1.6 million people have signed up on-line, and the on-line enrollment center at www.medicare.gov has been processing an average of over 20,000 enrollments a day through the end of last week."

I encourage all of Nevada's seniors to take advantage of the health care options now offered under the Medicare prescription drug benefit plan. Taking just a few minutes to obtain information could save you hundreds of dollars a year. Millions of seniors are already saving money and you can too.