Rep. Black reminds seniors of Medicare coverage meetings

With medical costs increasing every day, State Rep. Linda Black says it is more important than ever that Missourians on Medicare choose the prescription-drug plan that best fits their needs. Black encourages area seniors to attend a two-day event organized in the 117th district that starts Nov. 12. The event is organized by CLAIM, which is the official State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

The meetings will provide free professional help to participants in Medicare’s prescription drug program – Medicare Part D. Black said she hopes area seniors will make plans to attend the informative event.

“I highly encourage our seniors to attend one of the two days and also to make it a habit to review their insurance options each year,” said Black, R-Park Hills. “These meetings are completely free and the benefits they can provide have the potential to save money on their prescriptions. I hope everyone will make use of this information and take advantage of the great job the folks at CLAIM do for all of our seniors.”

The event scheduled by CLAIM will take place at the Mineral Area College Continuing Education Building (Tourism Building) located at 5270 Flat River in Park Hills. The first day of the event will take place Nov. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the second day will take place Nov. 13 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Black encourages those interested in attending to make reservations as a limited number of spots are available at each enrollment session. Spaces can be reserved by calling CLAIM at 1-800-390-3330.

All Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for Part D coverage, but they must enroll first.

People enrolled in Part D still pay out-of-pocket costs for their prescriptions, but there is an additional program meant to help those who have trouble doing so. Called Extra Help, this program reduces prescription-drug costs for Medicare patients who meet low-income guidelines.