A Medicare representative will be at the Carson City Senior Center today to help people with Medicare coverage select health and drug coverage for 2009.
Beneficiaries are urged to review the 2009 costs of their current drug and health plans, compare the cost and coverage to other plans in the area and choose a plan that's best for them.
Counselors will be on-site to help people with Medicare who cannot afford their prescription drug costs learn more about financial assistance.
The enrollment is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at the Carson City Senior Center, 911 Beverly Drive.
Attendees should have with them their Medicare card, a list of prescriptions with dosages and how often they are taken, their preferred pharmacy, and zip code.
As part of this fall's Medicare Open Enrollment, CMS will host events across the country to help people with Medicare make the most of their health and prescription drug coverage. Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes " such as reduced coverage in the gap " if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009.
Medicare encourages individual beneficiaries to review how their plans are changing and what other options are available. They are encouraged to act quickly so their coverage works smoothly in 2009.
People with Medicare can receive assistance in reviewing and choosing a plan by attending a Medicare Open Enrollment event, contacting a state, county or city office on aging, visiting www.medicare.gov, or calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
In addition, beneficiaries with limited income and resources may qualify for extra help to pay for prescription drug costs. They can apply for extra help through their local Social Security office, by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov, or calling 1-800-772-1213.