My Medicare Matters Helps Consumers Get the Most Out of Medicare

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May 27, 2011, 11:00 ET

Free Website Provides Answers and Referrals to Help People with Medicare Maximize Benefits

WASHINGTON, May 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Medicare, and related programs, offer a wide range of benefits and services to help older adults and individuals with disabilities live a healthier life. But far too many beneficiaries simply don't know what's available or how to use their benefits to the fullest.

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MyMedicareMatters.org gives beneficiaries the straightforward, practical information they need to take advantage of everything Medicare has to offer—from choosing a Medicare Part D drug plan during the annual enrollment period to accessing Medicare's preventive health benefits, including the new Annual Wellness Visit.

Sponsored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), My Medicare Matters is funded in part by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals.

"I've spoken to many people who have Medicare, and they've found My Medicare Matters to be an important, easy-to-use resource for finding enrollment and program details," noted Nora Dowd Eisenhower, vice president, Benefits Access Group and director, National Center for Benefits Outreach and Enrollment at NCOA. "The site has information for people who are new to Medicare, as well as those who are considering switching plans, or simply have a question they need answered."

Since it launched in 2005, My Medicare Matters has helped more than 4,500 people directly through the "Ask the Expert" service alone. In addition to providing information online, the site gives users local referrals, so they can find further assistance on Medicare and other health programs in their communities.

My Medicare Matters also offers simple, step-by-step guides on how to join Medicare, a detailed explanation of the program's benefits and costs, and information on two programs that help low-income people afford Medicare—the Medicare Savings Programs and the Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)/Extra Help.

For more information, please visit www.MyMedicareMatters.org.

About NCOA

The National Council on Aging is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for millions of older adults—especially those who are vulnerable and disadvantaged—and the community organizations that serve them. It brings together nonprofit organizations, businesses, and government to develop creative solutions that improve the lives of all older adults. NCOA works with thousands of organizations across the country to help seniors find jobs and benefits, improve their health, live independently, and remain active in their communities. For more information, please visit: www.NCOA.org |www.facebook.com/NCOAging | www.twitter.com/NCOAging

About My Medicare Matters

MyMedicareMatters is a community-based education and outreach initiative sponsored by the National Council on Aging (NCOA) with support from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP.

About AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals

AstraZeneca is a global, innovation-driven biopharmaceutical business with a primary focus on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines. As a leader in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory and inflammation, oncology and infectious disease medicines, AstraZeneca generated global revenues of $32.8 billion in 2009. In the United States, AstraZeneca is a $14.8 billion healthcare business. For more information about AstraZeneca in the US or the AZ&Me™ Prescription Savings programs, please visit: www.astrazeneca-us.com or call 1-800-AZandMe (292-6363).

SOURCE National Council on Aging