def #221 10/19/09
OCEAN COUNTY LAUNCHES PART D DAYS
THE OCEAN COUNTY Office of Senior Services is ready to provide one-on-one assistance during the Medicare Part D
Prescription Drug Plan Annual Enrollment Period, which begins Nov. 15 and ends Dec. 31.
“Each year health plans make adjustments to what they cost and what they cover,” said Ocean County Freeholder
Joseph H. Vicari, who serves as Chairman of Senior Services. “Now is the time for people with Medicare to review the
changes being made by their current plan and compare it to others to make sure it will meet their prescription drug needs
in 2010. Those who don't have prescription drug coverage can also enroll in a drug plan during open enrollment.”
Each year during the Annual Enrollment period, Medicare Part D counseling is provided at the County Connection at
the Ocean County Mall on Hooper Avenue, Toms River.
There are 14 scheduled Part D Days that will provide the opportunity for Medicare enrollees to meet with a trained State
Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor to review the Medicare Plan Finder and obtain the needed information
to make an informed decision.
“Although, the Part D Enrollment period does not begin until Nov. 15, Part D Days are being held at the County Connection
earlier in order for individuals to gather plan information in advance,” Vicari said.
The Part D days are Oct. 20, 23, and 29, Nov. 4, 9, 16, 17, and 20, Dec. 8, 10, 14, 18 and 22. The times are from 9 a.m.
to 3 p.m. Evening hours will be available on Nov. 30 when appointments will run from 3 to 8 p.m.
An appointment is necessary. To schedule an appointment call 732-288-7777.
According to Jane Maloney, Director of Senior Services, it is critical that Medicare enrollees take the time to review
their prescription drug plan for 2010 and if they wish assistance in this process, there is a comprehensive support
system in place.
She said that the staff at the Ocean County Office of Senior Services, One Stop Center, Building 2, 1027 Hooper Ave.,
Toms River, are also available to help.
Appointments can be scheduled by calling 732-929-2091, 1-800-668-4899.
In addition, assistance also is available at the following locations throughout the county: Berkeley Senior Outreach,
732-244-9600, Brick Senior Center/Outreach, 732-920-8686, Community Services Inc. Outreach, 732-367-1400, Ext. 21, Long
Beach Island/Southern Ocean Outreach, 609-494-8861, Manchester Outreach, 732-657-8121 Ext. 5002, Shore Area Outreach,
732-892-5514, Toms River Senior Center/Outreach, 732-341-1000 Ext. 8461, Lighthouse at Community, 1-800-621-0096, and
SOCH-Family Resource Center, 609-978-3559.
For any of the locations, persons desiring the Part D assistance should call to schedule an appointment in advance.
“Good information helps our residents make good and informed decisions,” Vicari said. “We want to make sure our seniors
have every opportunity to access this information.”
