BACKGROUND: On Tuesday, April 11, Congressman Chris Smith (NJ-04) will welcome US Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt to the Brick Senior Center and Nutrition Site.  In addition, officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the state SHPP and counselors from Ocean County Senior Services will be available from 1:00 until 4:00 PM to provide guidance and assistance to any senior citizen who has questions about the new Medicare Part D benefit and help seniors wishing to choose a plan sign up for one that best suits their needs. 

As of March, 2006, the number of beneficiaries in the fourth District with prescription drug coverage has climbed to 66 percent, the highest amount in New Jersey.   In New Jersey statewide – from January 21 through March 18 of this year – over 225,000 seniors enrolled and now have federally subsidized drug coverage for the first time.  Smith said that this is an opportunity for those who have questions to talk directly to the program’s technicians and determine if Medicare Part D will work for them.

The last day to join the program without penalty is May 15.   Seniors should bring the names and dosages of their prescriptions, their Medicare card and monthly income information.

Who:  Representative Chris Smith (NJ-04), Secretary Mike Leavitt –
           Department of Health and Human Services and other local officials
           
What: Will host a Medicare Part D Workshop for seniors with questions
            about the new prescription drug benefit and choosing a new plan.

When: Tuesday, April 11, 2006
             1:00 pm – 4:00 pm 

Where:  Brick Senior Center     
               373 Adamston Road
               Brick, NJ  08723