Important Dates to Remember
November 15, 2005    January 1, 2006    May 15, 2006	First day you can join a plan Coverage begins for those who join by December 31, 2005 Last day to join a plan without paying a higher premium later

The following websites will provide information and sources of help on Part D, the new prescription drug benefit program from Medicare

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Provides free one on one consultation with a trained volunteer either in person or by telephone. Working from of list of medications that you currently take the volunteer will use software from the Medicare website to help you narrow down your choices from the programs being offered through private insurance companies in NJ. You will then need to choose from among those most helpful for you.

Morris County SHIP Office

Morris County
NORWESCAP - Morris RSVP
400 S. Main Street, Suite 4
Wharton, NJ 07885
1-973-989-5773

S.H.I.P. Volunteer Sites in Morris County

Denville 973-625-6527 Call anytime - Leave message By Appointment 10 AM - 2 PM Mon, Tues, Thurs. St. Claire's Hostipal, Denville Campus 25 Pocono Rd. Denville 07834 ship@saintclares.org	Denville 973-627-5000 St. Francis Residential Community Diamond Spring Road Every other Friday 9 AM - 12 PM By Appointment	East Hanover 973-428-3062 By Appointment East Hanover Senior Center 98 Mt. Pleasant Ave. East Hanover Contact: Marie Percell
Madison 973-593-3095 Wednesday - By Appointment Madison Senior Center 28 Walnut Street Madison 07940 Contact: Edna	Montville 973-299-5087 By Appointment Montville Senior Center Rt. 202, Montville Contact: Allison DeMaio	Morris County 973-829-8695 10 AM - 2 PM 1st and 3rd Friday Morris County Division on Aging 340 West Hanover Ave. Morristown 07960
Morristown 973-971-4328 Call Anytime - Leave Message Morristown Memorial Hospital 100 Madison Ave. Morristown 07960 Contact: Maria	Morristown 973-292-6690 9AM - Noon 2nd and 4th Tuesday Morristown Senior Center 200 South Street	Mt. Olive Township 973-691-0900 x7357 or 973-691-2024 Senior Center Flanders Drake Town Road Flanders Contact: Diann Brochou, Dept of Social Services By Appointment
Parsippany 973-263-7351 By Appointment 2 PM - 4 PM Tuesdays Parsippany Community Center 1130 Knoll Rd. Lake Hiawatha 07034	Pompton Plains 973-831-5017 10 AM - 2 PM Wednesdays Chilton Memorial Hostipal 97 West Parkway Pompton Plains 07444 Contact: Dorothy Hyde	Rockaway 973-627-7200 9 AM - Noon Mondays Rockaway Township Municipal Building 14 Mt. Hope Rd. Rockaway 07655

 

Medicare
The Medicare website provides a wealth of information about Plan D from basic information to state by state plan comparisons and drug checks. There is a section that will allow you to enter basic information such as your zip code and prescriptions, and it will provide you with a list of private drug plans that best meet your individual needs. At the website click on "Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans."

AARP
AARP has provided a website with basic introductory information, important dates, additional resources and how to choose a plan. They have a detailed brochure that you can read online, print, or order for delivery to your home. It is available in English or Spanish.

Eldercare
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for more specific information about your state. To find the closest location, visit Eldercare's website and follow the steps on the screen to find your local office, or, call the Administration on Aging's Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116. Click on the link that says Locate Medicare Prescription Drug information and assistance in your community for more information.

Local agencies on aging are a good source of information about Part D. The Morris County office is listed below.

Morris County Division of Aging, Disability, and Veterans Affairs
340 West Hanover Ave.
Morristown, New Jersey 07960
973-285-6858
Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30

 

Extra Help For People with Limited Incomes

Watch out for Fraud

Medicare provides additional assistance for low income people. In general, you may qualify if your 2005 income is below $14,355 a year as a single person or below $19,245 a year if you're married and living with your spouse. But in some cases, a higher income may qualify — for example, if you live in Alaska or Hawaii, or if you have dependent family members living with you. People living in Puerto Rico and the U.S. territories will receive different assistance. Contact your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program

*Medicare never goes to the individual. They will not call you. Beware of anyone who calls you and says they are representing Medicare. Do not sign anything until you are sure you know what you are signing.   *From the Daily Record, Sunday, November 13, 2005

 

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