Specific questions about the Medicare approved prescription drug discount card will be answered this month during two live “chats” on Omaha.com. The chats will last approximately one hour and are scheduled to start at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 27 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 29 on Omaha.com. UNMC is one of the sponsors of the event.
The purpose of the chats is to offer individuals the opportunity to ask questions related to the Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card.
“The first thing we do at all of our workshops is dispel the many myths about the cards, then we educate people about the options available and how they can personally benefit,” said Aimee McKim, executive director of Volunteers Intervening for Equity. The group has been trained by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid and the Senior Health Initiative Programs of the Nebraska Insurance Department to help senior citizens and their families review the Medicare Prescription Drug Discount Card and make the best selection.
“With Omaha.com we have the opportunity to reach potentially thousands of people at one time,” said McKim, who will host the chats.
Prior to the discussion, individuals should visit www.healthwiseseries.com to download a fact sheet and a worksheet that will serve as important tools during the live online discussion. Participants also are encouraged to submit their questions early. After the discussion, the questions and answers will be posted on www.healthwiseseries.com.
The Medicare Prescription Drug Plan will be discussed at the Caring for Aging Parents conference Saturday, Aug. 14th at Westside High School, 87th and Pacific streets. The conference, which is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., will feature a 2:30 p.m. panel discussion on The Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. Panelists include: U.S. Congressman Lee Terry and Tim Trysla, policy adviser to the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and Robin Srwanek, program director, State Department of Insurance-Senior Health Insurance Information Program.
The conference is designed to provide information and resources to families who are involved in the care of an older adult. Breakout sessions will be offered and speakers will provide information on all aspects of eldercare including legal, medication management, depression, identifying dementias, caregiver support and more. Companies that provide senior services and products will also be there to provide information and answer questions.
The cost is $20 for those who pre-register and includes coffee and rolls and lunch. Free parking is available. Pre-registration is available at www.healthwiseseries.com. Continuing education credits will be available for health care professionals.