New Medicare Benefit Needs Attention

The Mental Health Association of Tennessee wants churches to help spread the word about Medicare’s new drug benefit.

The association is one of many local and national organizations helping Medicare officials get the word out about the new program.

Anita Bertrand heads up the Mental Health Association of Tennessee. She says she doesn’t want anyone eligible for Medicare’s prescription drug coverage to be left unaware.

“My concern is for the people who don’t go to the senior centers, how do we reach that population? We’ve got to talk to the pastors and educate them so they can talk to their congregations. I’m just a firm believer, especially with our elderly, if you don’t find them anywhere else, you’ll find them in the church.”

The new drug benefit helps seniors pay for prescription drugs, but with 16 health plans and numerous eligibility rules, the information can be confusing.

Derrell Payne, spokesman for the Social Security Administration’s offices in Tennessee says his office can help seniors sort out their options.

“We’ve been doing plenty of outreach and I hope it’s gonna get to the point where it’s hard to miss this information because it’s everywhere.”

Medicare beneficiaries will be able to compare drug plans available in Tennessee on October first.

Medicare recipients who are considered low-income will be automatically enrolled in a plan that covers most of their drug costs. For those who are unsure about whether they qualify as low income, Payne says to contact your local social security office soon.