Local Officials Educate New Hampshire Seniors on the Benefits of Medicare’s Drug Coverage

MANCHESTER, N.H., Dec. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — The Manchester Housing & Redevelopment Authority brought together health officials today to educate seniors and people living with disabilities about the benefits of Medicare’s prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D). With the enrollment period for drug coverage in 2007 closing December 31, 2006, it is crucial that seniors and younger people with disabilities get the information they need to make an informed decision about their drug coverage for the coming year.

“Medicare prescription drug coverage has been a success for millions of people across the country, including many right here in New Hampshire,” said Mel Spierer, Elderly Outreach Specialist who created PocketBook Therapy, a program of MHRA. “MHRA is delighted to have the opportunity to explain the advantages of Medicare’s drug coverage and answer people’s questions about this coverage.”

According to CMS, more than one hundred and fifty thousand New Hampshire citizens have Medicare drug coverage, and throughout the country more than 38 million Americans now have drug coverage through Medicare or other retiree and veteran programs.

“Every eligible beneficiary should look into Medicare Part D,” said Tom Maher, Regional Director of the Healthcare Leadership Council, which runs Medicare Today, a broad-based, non-partisan partnership that provides seniors with reliable information about Medicare benefits. “We don’t want any senior to miss out on the opportunity to save money on prescription drugs.”

Enrollment in Medicare’s drug coverage began November 15, 2006, and continues until December 31, 2006. With only a handful of days 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. While Medicare Part D is completely voluntary, the variety of plans available gives seniors the opportunity to select a plan based on their particular health needs.

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.

The mission of the Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority is to provide and sustain affordable, secure, quality living environments for low- income families and individuals; to provide personal and economic enrichment and independence opportunities for residents; to act as a catalyst and community partner in developing new low-income affordable housing opportunities; and to engage in community revitalization initiatives to improve neighborhoods, promote economic development, increase employment opportunities and broaden the local tax base. Web site: http://www.manchesterhousing.org/

Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority

CONTACT: Mel Spierer of Manchester Housing & Redevelopment Authority,+1-603-624-4780

Web site: http://www.manchesterhousing.org/