Press Release

BUCHANAN ALERTS SENIORS TO MEDICARE RX OPEN SEASON

Sarasota, Florida -- Congressman Vern Buchanan (F-FL 13) alerted senior citizens today to “open season” of the Medicare Prescription Drug Program.  During open season, seniors can enroll for the first time or switch from their current Part D prescription drug benefit to another plan.  The 13th District Congressman encouraged seniors to attend an informational event he is hosting for area seniors who would like assistance reviewing their options.

“Medicare Part D is helping to lower the drug costs for millions of seniors,” said Buchanan.  “I encourage seniors to shop around and choose the plan that provides the most help with their drug costs.  Maybe there is a plan that covers the same drugs for less money.  Maybe your current plan has changed its list of covered drugs or your prescriptions have changed and you need a different plan that covers your new medications.  Maybe there are new plans that provide gap coverage for generic and formulary drugs.” 

Medicare Part D open season is between November 15 and December 31, 2007.  The Buchanan event will be held on Tuesday, November 27, 2007 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. at the Senior Friendship Center, which is located at 1888 Brother Geenen Way in Sarasota.  A representative from the Center for Medicare Services will update beneficiaries on Medicare Part D and trained volunteers from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs will be available to sit down one-on-one with seniors to examine their options.  Medicare beneficiaries should bring their Medicare card, their current drug card, the location of their pharmacy, and a list of their medications to the event.  Please make an appointment in advance by calling Barbara in the Congressman’s Sarasota District office at 941.951.6643.