kh #278 10/20/08
SENIOR SERVICES TO SPONSOR FREE MEDICARE SEMINARS
TOMS RIVER - The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services will join Ocean County’s Office of Senior
Services at four different locations throughout the County to talk about the changes taking place in Medicare for 2009.
"We are urging all of our residents who have Medicare or wish to know more about Medicare, to attend one of these
beneficial seminars," said Freeholder Director Joseph H. Vicari, who also serves as Chairman of Senior Services. "Ocean
County values its senior community and recognizes that they deserve the best help available, which is why we are teaming
up with the state to ensure all seniors are given this essential information they need to make a decision regarding
prescription plans in 2009."
Senior Services is also prepared to provide information about the tools and resources available to help
beneficiaries make smart choices about their health coverage during Medicare’s Fall Open Enrollment period, which runs
from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. During this period, people with Medicare will select Medicare health and drug coverage for 2009.
"Plans change their offerings from year to year," Vicari said. "Beneficiaries are urged to assess their health
needs, review their current health and drug coverage, compare it with other area plans and choose a plan that is best
for them.
"
Some people with Medicare may see significant premium increases or changes, such as reduced coverage in the gap, if they
stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009.
In addition, experts will be on-site to help people with Medicare who cannot afford their prescription drug costs. They
will be given information about financial assistance that is available to help pay for their drug coverage.
Registration is required for these seminars, which will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 22 at the Brick Senior Center on
Adamston Road in Brick Township, from 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and also at the Toms River Senior Center on Garfield
Avenue, here, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Also, on Friday, Oct. 24 at St. Mary’s Parish on West Bay Avenue in Barnegat Township from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and
at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church on Schoolhouse Road in Whiting from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
For more information or to register, please call Ocean County’s Office of Senior Services at (732) 929-2091 or 1(800)
668-4899.
