This morning I called the Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) to ask if they had heard anything about continued funding for the QI-1 program that pays peoples’ Medicare premium.  PCOA is aware of the letters sent by AHCCCS to 12,500 seniors and disabled Medicare beneficiaries to tell them they are losing this help as of January 1.  But the PCOA is not aware that the funding for the program has been extended under HR3765, the bill that extends the payroll tax cuts for another two months.

I called John McCain’s Phoenix office and spoke to a staffer who was unaware of HR3765 including funding for the QI-1 program.  She asked me to send her a copy of the letter that was sent to people by AHCCCS, so I sent her that and a link to this blog – so she’ll know what’s going on.

I’m hoping Senator McCain’s office will let somebody at AHCCCS know that the funding for QI-1 has been continued.  Then AHCCCS can send out letters to those 12,500 Arizonans who may be trying to figure out how they will survive on $100 less each month.  It seems they don’t need to worry – for another couple of months.  Of course, this depends on the state of Arizona accepting the money.  Hopefully our esteemed leaders don’t have a choice but to take the money and help out 12,500 seniors and disabled Medicare beneficiaries.

Here is a link to HR 3765.  Check out section 310. extension of the qualifying individual (QI) program

STORY UPDATE:  Somebody at AHCCCS finally got the word.  See next blog post: Arizona will continue QI-1 program