Nevada Experts Educate Seniors on the Benefits of Medicare’s Drug Coverage

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Seniors and people living with disabilities were educated today about the benefits of Medicare’s prescription drug coverage at a symposium sponsored by the Health Care Advocacy Alliance (HCAA). Guests gathered at the Orleans Arena to hear experts from Governor Guinn’s Office, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), CVS Pharmacy and the Health Care Advocacy Alliance discuss the importance of understanding the coverage and answer questions about enrolling. Beneficiaries also had the opportunity to sit down with a Medicare expert to get answers to their individual enrollment questions.

“We are very pleased that more than 90 percent of beneficiaries have some type of drug coverage in the first year of the Part D program,” said Jeff Flick, Region Nine Director, CMS. “Medicare’s program is a great benefit to seniors, and CMS is happy to have the opportunity to explain the advantages of the program and answer questions people may have.”

According to CMS, more than 237,000 Nevadans with Medicare have drug coverage and throughout the country, more than 38 million Americans with Medicare now have drug coverage.

“We need to make sure that Medicare Part D is working as well as possible for Nevada seniors,” said Pat Rivera, RN, Quality Assurance Specialist, of the NV Governor’s Office for Consumer Health Assistance. “It is crucial that seniors understand their options and the resources available to them if they need help. I am confident that today’s symposium accomplished our goal of educating Nevada’s seniors so they have the information necessary to make an educated decision about enrolling.”

Enrollment in Medicare’s drug coverage began November 15, 2006, and continues until December 31, 2006. With only one month left before the 2007 enrollment deadline, it is important that all Medicare beneficiaries are well informed about how Medicare drug coverage can help them access the medicines they need and potentially save them money on their health care costs.

“Many of the patients we serve everyday are dependent on a variety of prescription drugs,” said Carlie Harder, Pharmacist, CVS. “Every person with Medicare has the opportunity to take advantage of Medicare’s new drug coverage. It would be a shame if any one who could benefit from this drug coverage would miss the opportunity to save money on their medicines. We at CVS are committed to assist seniors with their questions regarding the new drug coverage program. “

Herbert Perry, Advisory Board Member of HCAA and Medicare beneficiary encouraged others to look into signing up like he did. “At the Health Care Advocacy Alliance, we work to promote excellence and improvement in the health of all citizens and the Medicare prescription drug benefit is helping seniors to get access to drugs they need,” said Perry. “We hope guests will share this new information with their friends and loved ones so they can feel confident making the right decision about their drug coverage.”

For more information on the new Medicare drug benefit, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or visit http://www.medicare.gov/. This number is available 24 hours a day, including holidays.

This seminar was made possible through a grant by Pfizer Inc.

Health Care Advocacy Alliance (HCAA) was formed to seek improved health care access as needed by patients through policy and legislative health care reform at all levels. It is a volunteer organization comprised of other health related non-profit organizations, physicians, caregivers, patient advocates and concerned citizens who believe in HCAA’s mission. HCAA conducts meetings as deemed necessary to get the word out on important health issues, such as the changes in Medicare/Medicaid, drug importation, and any current health concerns. Guest speakers regarding the topic being covered attend these meetings. In addition to having formal meetings, the Director organizes and attends various health organizations meetings and health fairs with literature that would be of benefit to anyone attending. Also, grassroots activities including telephoning, writing letters and/or emailing the appropriate state and federal elected officials and others regarding health care issues.

Health Care Advocacy Alliance

CONTACT: Herbert W. Perry of Health Care Advocacy Alliance,+1-702-204-1040

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