Medicare Bus to Visit Southwest Michigan

St. Joseph, MI, October 10, 2007 --(PR.com)-- The Medicare Bus, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will arrive at the Area Agency on Aging (2900 Lakeview Dr., St. Joseph) on Friday, October 12 to help Medicare beneficiaries and their families understand and enroll in Medicare Part D. Medicare specialists will be on hand to answer questions about plan options and financial assistance for prescription drugs. Anyone with Medicare questions is encouraged to attend the event for information, counseling or Medicare Part D enrollment. The Medicare Bus tour is designed for seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries to have the opportunity for one-on-one counseling and enrollment assistance with the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit.

The event runs from noon – 2 PM and will include an explanation on the 2008 changes in Medicare Part D and information about subsidies for individuals with low incomes. Representatives from State and Federal legislators’ offices, Social Security and more will also be on hand to answer questions that day.

Despite substantial premium and cost sharing savings an estimated 3,036 Medicare beneficiaries in Southwest Michigan are eligible but have not yet enrolled to receive the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), available through Medicare Part D to help cover their prescription drug costs. The Area Agency on Aging is reaching out to identify and inform these individuals of the cost savings.

"Medicare beneficiaries with limited incomes and resources have an opportunity to receive subsidized prescription drug coverage through this benefit," said Dianne Carlson, Community Services Director for the Area Agency on Aging. "We are asking for the public's support to help reach these individuals who may not be aware of the low income subsidy. Caregivers, neighbors, friends and family can play an important role in spreading the word of the cost savings to those who may qualify. This event on October 12th is an excellent opportunity for people to find out if they qualify for this subsidy."

Staff from the Area Agency on Aging and Medicare will provide beneficiaries with personal assistance and access to online enrollment. Attendees may bring their Medicare card and a list of current prescriptions, including dosages and costs, so counselors can assist them with choosing the plan that best fits their needs.

“We receive numerous calls each week for assistance with Medicare and more specifically, help with understanding Medicare Part D,” says Kathy Flores, Regional Coordinator for the Medicare/Medicaid assistance program. “Attending the Medicare bus event on October 12 will allow people with Medicare to receive information and personal attention from a Medicare specialist. If individuals are not able to receive individual counseling that day, we will be setting appointments with folks so that they can receive individualized information and assistance.”

In addition to the informational booths, free blood pressure screening and light refreshments will be available. No registration is necessary for the event. For additional information, please call 800-654-2810.

Trained counselors at the Area Agency on Aging (AAA) are available year-round to provide additional information and assistance related to Low Income Subsidies, Medicare and Medicaid. For more information on Medicare/Medicaid, please call the AAA Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at (800) 803-7174.

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