N.C. Center for Creative Retirement to Host Medicare Information Session;
Free Counseling Will be Available Following Presentation

The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement will host a free presentation about Medicare’s new prescription drug plans at 11:45 a.m. Friday, Feb. 3, in UNC Asheville’s Reuter Center. Following the presentation, counselors from the North Carolina Department of Insurance Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program will help consumers select the plan that best fits their needs. To qualify for this free service, participants must bring a list of all medications, dosages and actual cost per month.

Through May 15, 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 a new plan, they will pay only a monthly premium. Premiums and coverage varies.

The North Carolina Department of Insurance Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program offers free, objective information about Medicare and Medicare drug plans, supplements, managed care and long-term care insurance. Because this is a state-operated service, no sales are involved.

For more information, call the 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