United Way of Morris County Events
Past Events

Help Understanding and Enrolling in New Medicare D Plans
Saturday, April 1, 2006

On Saturday, April 1, 2006, Novartis Pharmaceuticals, together with the Caregivers Coalition of Morris County and United Way of Morris County, sponsored a free, information-packed seminar on the new Medicare program that became effective January 1, 2006.  Over 40 attendees joined together at the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Mount Olive to learn about enrolling in a plan and working with their pharmacists.

Kathy-Jo Hayden of Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation kicked off the event, noting Novartis' close relationship with United Way of Morris County.  Karen Donofrio, Caregivers Coalition of Morris County and United Way, outlined the agenda for the day, introducing the seminar's speakers:  Rebecca Perkins, president and CEO of The Perkins Partnership and John Thomas, CVS Pharmacy supervisor.

Perkins shared invaluable information about the new Medicare program, noting that her goal for the morning was to "make Medicare D a little less scary."  John Thomas shed light on the new prescription program from a retail perspective.  Two pharmacists from Budd Lake and Ledgewood CVS stores accompanied Thomas, giving attendees an opportunity to speak one-on-one with local pharmacists.

The May 15th deadline to enroll in the new Medicare prescription drug coverage program is fast approaching.  If you have questions or need help making sense of it all, we have answers for you!

The new program changes the landscape of prescription drug coverage for eligible Medicare beneficiaries.  All individuals who have Medicare Part A or Part B or who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans are entitled to the new Medicare prescription drug benefit.  Those choosing to enroll must do so by May 15, 2006.  Those who do not sign up when they are first eligible or by May 15 may have to pay a penalty.