MyMedicareMatters Website Expands Coverage of Critical Medicare Information

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Sep 22, 2010, 01:54 ET

Re-launch of Website Makes it Easier for Seniors and Younger Adults with Disabilities to Answer Their Questions on Medicare

WASHINGTON, Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Consumers who have Medicare can now access updated and comprehensive information on a variety of medical conditions and coverage options, thanks to the re-release of www.MyMedicareMatters.org.

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Administered by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the site offers users a more intuitive set of navigational tools to help seniors make informed decisions about their health care benefits.

Included in the newly expanded site are sections explaining Medicare coverage and costs for treating many common conditions among Medicare beneficiaries, including diabetes and cancer. www.MyMedicareMatters.org also features new information on two frequently requested topics, entitled About Medigap and New to Medicare? These two additions offer consumers simple steps to help them decide about enrolling in Medicare and Medigap supplement insurance.

"With the implementation of health care reform, getting accurate information about Medicare out to consumers is a priority," noted James Firman, President and CEO of NCOA. "My Medicare Matters will continue to be a vital tool in helping those with Medicare and their caregivers navigate their benefits."

In anticipation of the fall Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage Annual Enrollment Period, www.MyMedicareMatters.org is also a well-respected resource for seniors who need to learn about Part D for the first time, or who need to review their choices for Part D coverage.

"Making complex information easy to understand for Medicare patients, their families and caregivers is an important job – especially as major changes are coming to the healthcare system," said David Nicoli, vice president corporate affairs, AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP.

NCOA has also re-launched MyMedicareMatters.org's companion site, MyMedicareCommunity.org. Targeted at professionals and benefits counselors working with Medicare beneficiaries, MyMedicareCommunity.org offers resources on Medicare and Medicaid-related programs, as well as a forum for people to connect and share their experiences and best-practices with others in the field.

About MyMedicareMatters

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

About the National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. NCOA is a national voice for older Americans—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.

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