Medicare Part D Bus Visits South Dakota

Medicare Part D Bus Visits South Dakota

The deadline to enroll in a Medicare Part D Drug Plan is May 15, 2006, and is fast approaching. There is still time and help is available for those who need assistance with choosing a particular plan and getting enrolled in one. The Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) want to increase Medicare Part D enrollment and are traveling through South Dakota on their Medicare Part D Bus April 3-5, 2006. The intent of the traveling bus is to provide onsite enrollment for eligible Medicare customers. Another is to give potential enrollees and providers a chance to speak one-on-one with a CMS representative.

"Many of our citizens have questions and concerns about Medicare Part D plans and enrollment," said Gov. Mike Rounds. "Please join us during the Medicare Part D Bus Tour in the community nearest you. Our goal is to reach eligible Medicare recipients who still have not enrolled in a prescription drug plan or who have questions about their existing plan."

Below are dates, times, and locations of when the Medicare Part D Bus will be in your area:
· Monday, April 3, 2006 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Rushmore Mall in Rapid City, 2200 N. Maple Ave.
· Tuesday, April 4, 2006 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the State Capitol Rotunda in Pierre, 500 E. Capitol Ave.
· Wednesday, April 5, 2006 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Center for Active Generations in Sioux Falls, 2300 W. 46th St.

"We want eligible Medicare recipients to know there is still time and help available to assist them in choosing a prescription drug plan," stated Department of Social Services Secretary Deborah Bowman. "Most importantly, we want seniors and people with disabilities to feel secure in the plan they have chosen and understand that representatives at the state and federal level are here to help guide them through the process."

It is important for participants to bring the following information with them:

* Red, white and blue Medicare card
* List of current prescription medications, including frequency and dosage
* Pharmacy's name and location, or a list of pharmacies in the surrounding area

To learn more about Medicare Part D Drug Plans, call 1-800-MEDICARE or visit www.medicare.gov.

http://www.state.sd.us/governor/