Department of Aging's APPRISE Program Earns National Award

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Pennsylvania's APPRISE program, which helps older Pennsylvanians and other Medicare enrollees understand their benefits, has earned an innovation award from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

"Pennsylvania's APPRISE program helps Medicare enrollees to make sound decisions about issues that can sometimes be confusing to figure out on your own," said Secretary of Aging Brian Duke. "Its trained volunteer-counselors offer an invaluable service by providing meaningful and accurate information to Medicare enrollees."  

APPRISE is a free insurance-counseling program coordinated at the local level through the Area Agencies on Aging, or AAAs. Trained counselors volunteer to assist older Pennsylvanians with their questions about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicaid and Long-Term Care Insurance.  

APPRISE was chosen for the award because it developed an annual enrollment toolkit that provides community education resources and support materials for volunteer-counselors. It also includes information to prepare local AAA programs for the busy enrollment period. Pennsylvania's APPRISE was one of five state programs honored for its innovative achievements.  

"We value our APPRISE volunteer-counselors because they make an important difference in the lives of others," said Darlene Sampson, statewide coordinator of APPRISE. "Anyone is eligible to become a volunteer-counselor, and training is free."

For more information on the APPRISE program and volunteer training, contact 1-800-783-7067 or visit www.aging.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1549

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging

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