PRESS RELEASE

Shays, Moccia, CT DSS to Host Medicare Prescription Drug Briefing at Norwalk Hospital
May 15 enrollment deadline fast approaching

Washington, D.C. - With the May 15 enrollment deadline approaching, Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT), Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia, and the Connecticut Department of Social Services and the Social Security Administration will hold an informational session on the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit at Norwalk Hospital on Monday. DSS's Rx-Xpress will be outside of the Hospital so seniors can talk to CHOICES volunteers and enroll in the Prescription Drug benefit on-site.

"The first deadline for seniors to enroll for the prescription drug benefit is just over a month away," Shays explained. "Some have found the program confusing because there are many choices, but when they sit down with my staff or other experts, they often find they can save thousands of dollars on their medications. This benefit ultimately will help many on Medicare save money on their medications and provide a safety net for unexpected drug expenses. I encourage all those interested in the program to attend Monday's briefing."

WHO: Congressman Christopher Shays

Norwalk Mayor Dick Moccia

Connecticut Department of Social Services

Connecticut Social Security Administration

Geoffrey Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer, Norwalk Hospital

WHAT: Public Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit information session and enrollment. The Social Security Administration will have representatives on hand to answer questions regarding the low income subsidy.

For appointment with a CHOICES Volunteer contact Tom McCabe at 203/866-6469 x 106. Those interested in enrollment should bring their Medicare card (red, white and blue card) and a listing of their prescriptions (quantity and dosage).

WHERE: Norwalk Hospital

Maple Street

Richard S. Perkin Auditorium

For directions, visit http://www.norwalkhosp.org/website/nhssite.nsf/MainPageKey/DirectionsParking.

WHEN: Monday, April 10

1 P.M. - 2:00 P.M.

Medicare Bus

1:00 - 3:00 P.M.

Shays staff has conducted 49 briefings around the Fourth District on the Medicare benefit, reaching 2,096 individuals. Fifty-nine percent of Medicare beneficiaries in the Fourth District have prescription drug coverage.

If an organization would like a representative of Shays' office to conduct a briefing about the Medicare Prescription Drug benefit, please feel free to contact Tom McCabe at 203/579-5870.

For more information on the benefit, please visit http://www.medicare.gov/pdp-basic-information.asp.