N.C. Center for Creative Retirement to Host Medicare Information Session

The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement will host an information session about Medicare’s prescription drug plans from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3, at UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. During the event, Josiah Bova, western regional manager of Senior’s Health Insurance Information Program, will help consumers understand the prescription drug plan choices available to them and select the plan that best fits their needs. The information session is free and open to the public.

From November 15, 2005 to May 15, 2006, those who have Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B will have the option to sign up for new prescription drug coverage, regardless of income level and resources, pre-existing conditions or current prescription expenses. After consumers choose that new prescription drug coverage, they will pay a monthly premium and Medicare will help pay the bill. Premiums and coverage varies. Anyone who has Medicare Part A and/or B is eligible to choose the new coverage.

Run by North Carolina’s Department of Insurance, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program counsels senior citizens about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare+Choice, long-term care insurance and other health insurance concerns.

For more information, call UNC Asheville’s N.C. Center for Creative Retirement at 828/251-6140.

Media Contacts:

• Denise Snodgrass, N.C. Center for Creative Retirement Assistant Director, 828/251-6188
• Jill Yarnall, UNC Asheville Public Information Assistant Director, 828/251-6526