def #335 12/19/08
OCEAN COUNTY LENDS A HAND WITH PART D
TOMS RIVER – Since the Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Part D) was established in 2006, the Ocean County Office of
Senior Services and its network have made an extraordinary effort to assist Medicare beneficiaries navigate the Part D
system.
“A team of experts has been available year after year to help our seniors with this program,” said Freeholder Director
Joseph H. Vicari, who also serves as Chairman of the Office of Senior Services. “And, this year has been no different.”
Whether at the county’s Office of Senior Services at the One Stop Center at 1027 Hooper Ave., here, or the County
Connection at the Ocean County Mall, Hooper Avenue, representatives have been available to help.
“Senior Services began a rigorous campaign early this fall to begin educating Medicare enrollees regarding the importance
of reviewing their Part D plans to determine whether the plan will fit their individual needs in 2009,” Vicari said.
“Since that time, there have been numerous community presentations to alert individuals what they should do regarding
Medicare Part D during the Annual Election Period which is Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2008”
Since Nov. 17, the Office of Senior Services has been offering assistance to individuals by using the Medicare Plan Finder
at www.Medicare.gov and outlining those plans that most fit the individuals prescription drug needs.
According to Jane Maloney, Director of Senior Services, there are three C’s that people need to follow: Cost, Coverage
and Customer Service when it comes to determining the best plan for an individual.
Maloney noted that each year individuals need to review how much the plan will cost; has the plan changed drugs they
currently cover; or have the individuals’ drugs changed, and how was the customer service during 2008.
She noted that the Medicare Plan Finder is an excellent tool allowing individuals to enter their prescriptions and
other relevant information such as which pharmacy they use, and the Plan Finder provides a list of the best-suited plans.
Freeholder John P. Kelly, who serves as liaison to the County Connection, Ocean County government’s service outlet
at the mall, noted the location was beneficial to many residents who needed assistance with Medicare Part D.
“This storefront is easily accessible and the hours are very convenient,” Kelly said. “Our seniors can get the help they
need from trained professionals while they are visiting the Ocean County Mall.”
Ocean County has provided Part D Plan Finder Assistance Days at the County Connection at the Ocean County Mall since Nov.
15. Since then 284 persons were served there and another 140 persons were assisted at the Office of Senior Services.
“We are estimating that more than 400 people will have used the Part D Days at the County Connection by the enrollment
deadline of Dec. 31,” Vicari said.
Vicari added that both the state and federal government have supported Ocean County’s effort.
“Representatives from the New Jersey State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and from the Center for Medicare and
Medicaid (CMS) have supported our county office with the enrollment assistance activities,” Vicari said. “Help has also
been available at the senior Outreach sites throughout Ocean County.
Maloney added that the deadline is fast approaching and individuals should call the Office of Senior Services at
732-929-2091 or 1-800-668-4899 for help.
“We make every effort to make certain our seniors are well informed so they can access the plan appropriate for them,”
Vicari said.
