Community Collaboration Provides Assistance To Seniors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2006     For more information contact:
Nancy Woolery, Health Projects Manager, City of Bloomington, 349.3851
Jason Carnes, Area 10 Agency on Aging Information and Referral Specialist, 876.3383
Maria K. Heslin, Communications Director, City of Bloomington, 349.3569
 
Bloomington, IN -- As part of his Community Collaboration initiative, Mayor Mark Kruzan announced today a new partnership that will provide assistance for area seniors enrolling in the Medicare D Prescription Drug Plan. The collaboration is a joint effort of the City of Bloomington's Community and Family Resources Department, the City's Parks and Recreation Department, the Monroe County Health Department, Area 10 Agency on Aging and Senior Cybernet.

"Open enrollment for the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan begins November 15 and extends through the end of the year," Kruzan said, "and this is the only time during the year that individuals can switch their plans. This collaboration among five leading community partners provides a terrific, easy and free service to our senior population on this complex, critical issue."

Volunteers will be available to help seniors enroll in a plan and answer any questions they may have about the program. The enrollments will take place at the City of Bloomington Adult Community Center, 349 S. Walnut Street, every Wednesday morning from 8 am-noon from November 15-December 20. A session will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 27 from 8 am-noon at Area 10 Agency on Aging, 630 W. Edgewood Drive in Ellettsville. Seniors must make an appointment to enroll by calling the City's Community and Family Resources Department at 349-3430.
 

Seniors enrolling in the Prescription Drug Plan should bring all of the medications they are taking to the enrollment sessions. The medications must be in the original containers with labels on the bottles. Seniors also can enroll by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or by visiting [www.medicare.gov|http://www.medicare.gov/].  Please contact Nancy Woolery at the City of Bloomington, 349-3851, or Jason Carnes at Area 10 Agency on Aging, 876-3383, for more information.
 

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