GRAND RAPIDS – Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers and the Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan, in conjunction with Medicare Today, will hold an event Monday, April 17, to assist Medicare recipients with understanding the new Medicare Prescription Drug benefit.

      Kent, Ionia and Barry county area seniors are invited to a presentation and discussion about the new benefit at the Gerald R. Ford Museum from 10-11 a.m., followed by individual counseling sessions for those seeking more information or assistance in signing up for the benefit. An appointment is required to participate in a counseling session. Reservations can be made by calling Ehlers’ office at (616) 451-8383 or (202) 225-3831.

      “If you have Medicare and don’t have prescription drug coverage, you should enroll in the Medicare prescription drug plan,” said Ehlers, R-Grand Rapids. “Even if you do not take a lot of prescription drugs now, it is still good to consider joining because signing up for this coverage could protect you from very high prescription drug bills in the future.”

WHAT:                   Presentation, discussion and one-on-one assistance regarding Medicare Prescription Drug benefit (Part D);

FOR WHOM:       Kent, Ionia & Barry County area seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries;

SPONSORS:        Congressman Vernon J. Ehlers, Area Agency on Aging of West Michigan, and Medicare Today, a partnership of approximately 400 local and national organizations providing information and education on the new benefit;

WHERE:                Gerald R. Ford Museum; 303 Pearl Street NW; Grand Rapids, MI 49504-5353;

WHEN:                   Monday, April 17, 2006

                                    10 – 11 a.m.          Presentation and discussion with Congressman Ehlers and Medicare prescription drug benefit experts;

                                    11 a.m. – 1 p.m.   Individual prescription drug assistance with trained counselors (appointment required).

Beneficiaries must have an appointment to meet with a counselor.

Appointments can be made by calling (616) 451-8383