( BLACK PR WIRE) ( November 7, 2007) WHO:Herb Kuhn, Deputy Administrator, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)Nancy O’Connor, Regional Administrator, CMS Region 3 Representatives from the Social Security Administration, Maryland Department of Aging and the Commission on Aging & Retirement Education (CARE)

WHAT:
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will join with federal, state and local partners, to present information to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers about the tools and resources that are available to help them during Medicare’s Fall Annual Enrollment, which runs November 15-December 31, 2007. During the Annual Enrollment period, beneficiaries will be selecting Medicare health and drug coverage for 2008.

Counselors will available to help people with Medicare to review their current health and drug coverage, compare it with other area plans, and choose a plan that’s best for them. In addition, experts will be on-site ready to help people with Medicare who cannot afford their prescription drug costs learn more about the $3,600 that is available to help pay for their drug coverage, and to help them complete the extra help application. In addition, attendees will learn how to protect themselves from fraud and identity theft.

WHEN:
Tuesday, November 13, from 1 to 2:30 PM
(NOTE: MEDIA SHOULD ARRIVE BY 9:45 A.M. FOR PHOTOS/VIDEO OF MEDICARE TOUR BUS ARRIVAL)

WHERE:
New Shiloh Baptist Church
2100 N. Monroe St.
Baltimore, MD 21217

BACKGROUND:
As part of this fall’s “Working Together for Better Health” Medicare Bus Tour, CMS will host events across the country helping people with Medicare make the most of their Medicare health and drug coverage. While change may not be necessary, people with Medicare can use Open Enrollment time to review and make adjustments to their existing Medicare coverage, as there may be another plan that’s better for them. They are encouraged to act quickly, so their coverage works smoothly in 2008. People with Medicare can receive assistance in reviewing and choosing a plan by attending a “Working Together” Medicare event, contacting a state, county or city office on aging, visiting www.medicare.gov, or calling 1-800-MEDICARE.

Individuals with limited income and resources may qualify for extra help to pay for prescription drug costs. People with Medicare can apply for extra help through their local Social Security office, by visiting www.socialsecurity.gov, or calling 1-800-772-1213.