Local News

<< Previous   of   Next >>   ADVERTISEMENT   CONTACT THE HERALD Robert Frank, City Editor frank@heraldnet.com   Published: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 Get help with Medicare drug plans Even if you intend to keep the same plan, changes could mean higher costs. By Sharon Salyer Herald Writer Some of the estimated 75,000 seniors in Snohomish County who get their medications through a Medicare prescription drug plan could be in for sticker shock as they prepare to sign up for 2009. Many of these plans are changing next year, with differences in deductibles, out-of-pocket costs and coverage, said Ramonda Sosa, a community outreach manager for Senior Services of Snohomish County. Even if someone is happy with their current plan, they should check to see what differences, if any, are planned for next year, she said. "Some folks may say, 'I'll just stick with my plan,' " and not realize premiums have gone up $20, $30 or $40 a month, Sosa said. Senior Services of Snoho­mish County is scheduling a series of information sessions to help answer questions about current prescription drug plans and whether a change might provide either better coverage or medications at a better price. Two of these information sessions are scheduled today from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Lynnwood Senior Center, 5800 198th St. SW, and from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Multi-Cultural Senior Center, 11627 Airport Road, Everett. Two more sessions will be 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Everett Senior Center, 3025 Lombard Ave., and 5 to 6 p.m. at the Snohomish Senior Center, 1514 Pine Ave. The final information session is scheduled for 2 to 3 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Warm Beach Senior Community, 20420 Marine Drive, Stanwood. Seniors may sign up for a prescription drug plan or change plans starting Saturday. Registration continues until Dec. 31. Seniors receiving low-income subsidies, paying no monthly premium, will have the 15 prescription drug plans currently available reduced by half next year, Sosa said. "The main message is take another look," she said. "Don't assume that everything will stay the same, because it's not staying the same." Those who want help with enrolling in plans have several ways to get assistance. They can attend a meeting from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at the Multi-Cultural Senior Center, 11627 Airport Road, Suite F, Everett. They also can call Senior Services of Snohomish County for an appointment. The office is at 8221 44th Ave. W., Mukilteo. Appointments are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays. A series of 27 enrollment sessions, where seniors can get help signing up for a prescription drug plan, are being scheduled throughout Snohomish County. Call Senior Information and Assistance for information. Reporter Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486 or salyer@heraldnet.com. Drug plan information For more information on question-and-answer sessions on Medicare Part D or on how to get help enrolling in a prescription drug plan, call Senior Information and Assistance at 425-513-1900. READER COMMENTS Be the first to comment. You must be a registered user and verify your e-mail address to post comments to blogs or articles on HeraldNet. To register, click here. To read other terms and conditions, click here. Log out

1. Explosion advance with win 2. Arrest in nude "sexting" photos of Arlington teen 3. One fire rips through $2 million home, another chars Jetty Island 4. Everett man found guilty in grandfather's fatal beating 5. Jetty Island firefight continues; hot weather increases fire dangers 6. Snohomish County cops spend summer trying to root out gangs 7. New York man indicted in Blue Stilly Smoke Shop case 8. Everett student jailed in pornography, voyeurism case 9. Fireworks sellers hope it's a 'backyard' Fourth 10. Local hoops star Love on hunt for a free ride 2 - Top 10 Stories Most Talked about 3 - Top 10 Stories Most Emailed

• Warriors looking for balance • Three Scots vying for QB slot • Jackson looks for another title • Decorated veteran continues to serve as active volunteer • City Council reviewing sign regulations • Wildcats get a peek at newcomers • Lynnwood still in rebuilding mode • Shoreline feels a kindergarten growth spurt • Leave the patriotic pyrotechnics to professionals, cities urge • Trading dollars for kilowatts New PUD energy conservation programs save ... • By John Wolcott SCBJ Editor • Record crowd at Paine Field’s General Aviation Day as FHC Celebrate ... • Celebration of aviation's history and future presented in multiple venue ... • The time is ripe for small businesses to take no prisoners • EPA proposal to regulate global-warming gases would be costly for small ... • Innovation helps the town of Forks to offset tough economy • Powering the people