Medicare is Changing — Spread the Word

On January 1, 2006, Medicare prescription drug coverage became available to everyone covered by Medicare, no matter how much money they make, the status of their health or the number of medicines they take. Now is the critical time for people who are eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage to learn about the available prescription drug plans, evaluate their needs and make decisions on what plan to join. As a Community Advisor on Medicare, you play a key role in bringing important information to people in your community who need to understand the changes that are taking place with Medicare. We hope this information helps you tell others about the new Medicare prescription drug coverage.

In this issue you’ll find information on:

• Making Decisions — tips for helping your clients choose plans that are right for them.
• Extra Help — information for low-income beneficiaries on getting “extra help” paying for prescription drugs.
• Avoiding Fraud — simple steps to guard against fraud and identity theft when dealing with Medicare.
• Help at the Pharmacy: Stefanie Guerrero’s Success Story — read how Stefanie Guerrero, a Medicare Information Specialist at H-E-B in Houston, Texas, is helping people in her community understand the new Medicare prescription drug coverage.
• Update on Training — learn how the American Society on Aging (ASA) and Pfizer-sponsored Community Advisor training is progressing.
• Key Dates — reminders of important deadlines for enrollment activities.
• Useful Terms — a glossary of Medicare-related terms.
• Links and Resources — a guide of useful Web sites that your clients can use to find more information on Medicare prescription drug coverage.

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