Thursday, October 15, 2009

Atlantic County Hosts Free Medicare Information Forums

Atlantic County will host several free forums for residents who would like more information about open enrollment for the 2010 Medicare prescription drug program. Medicare beneficiaries and interested family members will have the opportunity to speak with trained professionals from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) who can help them review their current plans and determine which plan will best meet their needs in the coming year.

Every person receiving Medicare needs to have prescription drug coverage regardless of income. To receive these benefits, subscribers must join designated prescription drug plans that contract with Medicare but are administered by private companies. Each forum will address Medicare’s open enrollment period for Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans, Medicare Supplement plans (Medigap), Medicare Advantage plans, PAAD, Senior Gold as well as other options and Social Security’s extra financial help for those with limited income.

The informational sessions will assist Medicare recipients in making informed decisions about which of these essential programs is the most cost effective for their family, while also covering important dates on the annual enrollment calendar.

State Health Insurance Program professionals advise residents to compare plans and make any changes to Medicare health or prescription drug coverage between November 15 and December 31. Any changes to coverage, benefits or costs will become effective on January 1, 2010.

Forums will be held throughout the county as follows:

Thursday, October 22
10 AM - 12 Noon
Atlantic County Library System/Mays Landing
40 Farragut Avenue, Mays Landing

Monday, October 26
10 AM - 12 Noon
Atlantic County Library System/Hammonton
451 Egg Harbor Road, Hammonton

Wednesday, October 28
6 PM - 8 PM
Anthony “Tony” Canale Training Center
5033 English Creek Avenue, Egg Harbor Township

Monday, November 2
5 PM - 7 PM
Atlantic City Free Public Library
1 N. Tennessee Avenue, Atlantic City

Thursday, November 5
10 AM - 12 Noon
Atlantic County Library System/Pleasantville
33 Martin Luther King Avenue, Pleasantville

Monday, November 23
6 PM - 8 PM
Atlantic County Library System/Galloway
306 E. Jimmie Leeds Road, Galloway


For more information about these free informational sessions, please call the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services at 1-888-426-9243.