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 White Plains, NY - A program to help seniors understand changes in their Medicare prescription drug coverage for 2009 will take place on Monday, Nov. 17 at 11 a.m. at the Lake Isle Country Club, 660 White Plains Road, Eastchester.
Commissioner Mae Carpenter of the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services (DSPS) said Medicare beneficiaries need to review materials they receive about changes to their drug benefit because their current plan could have major changes for 2009 and may no longer be their smartest choice.
“Their premiums and co-pays could have significantly changed and their plans may no longer cover the medications they are taking now,” Carpenter said. “Comparing their various options will enable them to select the plan that best meets their needs and avoid ‘surprises’ after Jan. 1.”
The annual open enrollment period runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31.
DSPS is presenting the program in partnership with the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the New York State Office for the Aging.
Reservations are required for this event, and can be made by calling DSPS at (914) 813-6400. Callers can also request to meet with a counselor to review their current medications. They should bring with them a printout from their pharmacy that lists their prescription drugs, the dosage and the number of pills they take each day.
In addition, representatives from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program will be at the program to tell individuals who cannot afford prescription drugs about available financial aid.
They will also learn about the many tools and resources that can help them make smart choices.
Seniors can also contact DSPS directly for assistance in selecting their coverage for 2009. For more information, call the department’s year-round Medicare Information Line at (914) 813-6100.
Information about Medicare is also available at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
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