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Award-Winning Actress, Author Ruby Dee Joins NAACP in Tampa to Encourage Seniors to Explore New Medicare Drug Plan

Posted on: Wednesday, 3 May 2006, 12:01 CDT

TAMPA, Fla., May 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning actress and author Ruby Dee joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Tampa today urging Florida's African American community to learn more about the new Medicare prescription drug program. This call-to-action comes less than two weeks before Medicare Part D's initial enrollment period closes on May 15, 2006. At a press briefing this morning, Dee noted that for the first time, Medicare has given seniors and people living with disabilities the opportunity to lower the cost of their medicines.

"Since January 1, Medicare has been helping to increase the access to lower-costing prescription drugs for millions of Americans," Dee said. "With less than two weeks until the initial enrollment period ends, I want to be especially sure that African American seniors and people living with disabilities know that this benefit is there for them. I encourage all people eligible for Medicare to actively seek out information and, if appropriate, enroll in a drug plan that best meets their needs," she continued.

Today's press conference was hosted by the NAACP of Hillsborough County. "I am pleased that Ms. Dee and the National Medical Association could join us in this important educational effort," said Adora Obi Nweze, president, Florida State NAACP. "An estimated 4.2 million African Americans rely on Medicare as their primary source of health care coverage, but many Floridians are not taking advantage of the new program. Florida's African American community needs to become educated about the new changes to Medicare, so they or a loved one can make an informed decision about their health care coverage."

Also in attendance, and acting as a co-sponsor for the event, was Nelson Adams, M.D., representing Region III of the National Medical Association (NMA). "According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, nearly three-quarters of Florida's Medicare-eligible population have already enrolled in a Medicare drug plan. However, there are many more who can benefit, particularly in the African American community," said Adams. "As a doctor, I think it would be a shame if anyone who could benefit from this program does not at least examine their options and determine what's best for them."

To learn more about the Medicare benefit, individuals or families can call 1-800-Medicare or visit http://www.medicare.gov/. For most people, initial enrollment for the Medicare drug benefit will continue through May 15, 2006, with benefits having begun on January 1, 2006. Dee's appearance in Tampa was sponsored by Pfizer Inc.

About Ruby Dee

Although born in Cleveland, Ohio, Ms. Dee considers herself a product of Harlem, where she grew up and began her career as a member of the American Negro Theatre. She received her B.A. from Hunter College, and later studied acting with Paul Mann, Lloyd Richards and Morris Carnovsky. She recently completed work as the lead in Number 2, a New Zealand comedy-drama scheduled for release next year, and was also featured in this year's television production of Their Eyes Were Watching God. Ms. Dee is the author of two children's books, Tower to Heaven and Two Ways to Count to Ten; a book of poetry and short stories, My One Good Nerve; and With Ossie and Ruby: In This Life Together, a joint autobiography co-authored with her late husband. Dee has been inducted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, awarded the Silver Circle Award by the Academy of Television Arts and Science, the National Medal of Arts Award, and the Screen Actors Guild's Lifetime Achievement Award.

About the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

CONTACT: Leslie Priest, On-site: +1-202-997-1029, for the NationalAssociation for the Advancement of Colored People

Web site: http://www.medicare.gov/

Source: PRNewswire

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