Medicare Van and Staff Arriving to Answer Prescription Questions

SUFFOLK If youre getting frustrated or tired, or both, trying to figure out the new Medicare prescription drug plan, consider making an appointment to visit the My Medicare Matters van and staff when both come to Suffolk noon to 4 p.m., Saturday at the Tabernacle Christian United Church of Christ, 1401 E. Washington St.

The My Medicare Matters van is one of 37 that the National Council on the Aging and the Access to Benefits Coalition are sending to communities in 27 states.

The two national organizations launched My Medicare Matters in November after hearing Medicare beneficiaries complain that they needed more one-on-one help to sort out the many options of changes dealing with the prescription drugs coverage plan (Medicare Part D).

In Hampton Roads, insurers are offering more than 40 stand-alone drug plans, which cover prescription drugs only.

Those are in addition to several Medicare Advantage plans that provide more comprehensive medical coverage.

Saturdays My Medicare Matters visit is co-sponsored by the Suffolk Chapter of The Links Inc. and the Lake Kennedy Civic League.

There is no charge, but appointments are recommended to reduce wait time.

To make an appointment, contact the Eddie Hicks, civic league president, at (757) 539-2677 or Margaret Barnes of The Links at (757) 539-9360.

For those who cannot attend Saturday, additional visits are being planned in March to Suffolk, Smithfield and Holland, and in April to Franklin.

As of late last month, statistics released by Medicare showed that about 120,500 people in Virginia signed up for one of the stand- alone drug prescription plans so far, and 20,800 enrolled in a Medicare Advantage, managed-care type of plan.

In addition, about 102,000 people who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, the latter a state-federal program for low- income people, have been automatically enrolled in one of the drug plans.

There are about 1 million Medicare beneficiaries in the state.

Benefits under the new plans began Jan. 1, but people have until May 15 to enroll.

Meanwhile, at 8 p.m., Tuesday at the Newsoms Community House, another program will be held to help Medicare recipients learn more about the plan.

The presenter will be Neechee Dale of Virginia Beach.

She is a representative for Humana and will explain the program to those who are interested in learning more about it.

The Newsoms Ruritan Club is sponsoring the event.