WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-2nd) on Nov. 15 encouraged local seniors who are currently unhappy with their Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit plans or whose coverage needs have changed over the past year to research and compare the more than 50 plans available in New Jersey.
The open enrollment period begins Nov.15 and will run until Dec. 31.
“Until the end of the year, South Jersey seniors have the opportunity to compare all the options available to them and select a prescription drug plan that may help save them additional money. I encourage those who currently participate or are newly eligible to closely examine their drug coverage needs and find a plan that best suits their needs,” said LoBiondo.
The Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit provides assistance to seniors and eligible low-income individuals in paying their prescription drug costs. Since its beginning in January 2006, Medicare-eligible seniors enrolled in the Benefit have been receiving an average savings of $1,200.
According to the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), more than 38 million seniors nation-wide are voluntarily enrolled and accessing the benefits of the program, with more than 82,000 seniors with prescription drug coverage in New Jersey’s Second Congressional District.
Earlier this year, LoBiondo voted in support of H.R. 4, the “Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007.” The legislation would authorize the Secretary of the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) to leverage Medicare’s significant buying power to lower drug costs for seniors participating within the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. The nation’s largest seniors-advocacy group, AARP, supported the legislation which was approved by the House.
“I remain committed to expanding affordable healthcare coverage to all in our state,” said LoBiondo. “My office is willing to assist any South Jersey senior with questions they may have and direct those who are interested in reviewing available plans and enrolling to the appropriate state and federal agencies.”
Seniors who need additional information should call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov. For assistance in enrolling, seniors should contact the New Jersey State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at 1-800-792-8820 or the specific county office listed below:
Cape May County’s Department of Aging – (609) 886.8138
Atlantic County’s Division of Intergenerational Services – (609) 645.7700 ext 4271
Burlington County’s RSVP – (609) 984.9311 ext 7498
Cumberland County’s Office on Aging – (856) 453.8066
Gloucester County’s RSVP – (856) 468.1742
Salem County’s Office on Aging – (856) 339.8622
If additional assistance is required, seniors are encouraged to contact Congressman LoBiondo’s Mays Landing office at (609) 625.5008 or 1-800-471-4450.
Dennisville – As a parent of a Tech student it would be great if the school would update their staff directory. So many old staff still listed and no new teachers listed. What gives?
