[Archived] City of Alexandria Department of Human Services Offers Professional Enrollment Counseling for Medicare Part D

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	February 22, 2006 PIO# 050-06/sjm	Steven J. Mason, Public Information Officer, or Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300 Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

City of Alexandria Department of Human Services Offers
Professional Enrollment Counseling for Medicare Part D

The City of Alexandria’s Department of Human Services Office of Aging and Adult Services has retained Merry Dawson Bown, M.P.A., J.D., an attorney with experience in healthcare benefits and senior citizen issues, to provide counseling and enrollment assistance with the new Medicare Part D. Ms. Dawson Bown is available Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to work one-on-one with seniors and their families at the Department of Human Services, 2525 Mt. Vernon Avenue. Depending on client need, the services may be offered at other locations in the city.

Medicare Part D is the new prescription drug benefit program. This program is insurance that covers both brand name and generic prescription drugs at participating pharmacies. Under this program, some people with very low income may qualify for extra help paying for their drugs. Enrollment in the program is voluntary, but those who are eligible to enroll and do not do so by May 15, 2006 will incur a penalty if they elect to enroll at a later date. After mid-May, the next opportunity to enroll is from November 15, 2006 to December 31, 2006.

Comparing and choosing an appropriate plan can be a complex task and the Office of Aging and Adult Services is here to help. To schedule an appointment or to learn more about this opportunity, call 703.838.0920.

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