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Lt. Governor Roberts and Director of Elderly Affairs Catherine Taylor Lead Campaign to Build Awareness of ACA Benefits for Seniors

September 19, 2012

PROVIDENCE—Lt. Governor Elizabeth H. Roberts, Chair of the RI Healthcare Reform Commission, and Catherine Taylor, Director of the Division of Elderly Affairs (DEA), are joining forces to raise awareness of the benefits available to seniors under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). On Thursday, September 20th at 1:00 pm, Roberts and Taylor will visit Pilgrim Senior Center, 27 Pilgrim Parkway in Warwick. (The full slate of senior visits is included below.)

Roberts and Taylor will lead a series of informal discussions with seniors, engaging with them to answer questions about new benefits under the ACA and changes in Medicare. One popular cost savings benefit for seniors involves Medicare prescription drug coverage. Under the new law, over 15,000 Rhode Island seniors who had to pay for drugs in the coverage gap or "donut hole" received a one-time, tax-free $250 rebate from Medicare to help pay for their prescriptions—just one of the savings under this coverage benefit. Roberts and Taylor will also encourage increased participation in free Wellness Visits available to seniors under the health reform law, one of the law's lesser known benefits.

"The Affordable Care Act continues to provide thousands in Rhode Island with insurance protections, preventive benefits, and resources to improve their care," said Lt. Governor Roberts. "It's important that we provide seniors the opportunity to learn about and ask important questions about benefits--such as Medicare prescription drug coverage--that can make a real difference in their quality of life," Roberts said.

"The annual Wellness Visit, provided at no cost to seniors under the Affordable Care Act, is an invaluable preventive tool for seniors to meet with their doctor, review their current care regimen, and to make a plan together to ensure future health maintenance," said Director Taylor. "We want to make sure this benefit is being utilized to its fullest potential to support DEA's goal of helping seniors live healthy, independent lives in the community," she said.

During discussions with seniors, Roberts and Taylor will cover the top things for seniors to know about the Affordable Care Act and changes to Medicare--including Medicare prescription drug coverage, what's included in an annual Wellness Visit, and what seniors should bring to make the most of their visit.

SENIOR CENTER VISITS: FALL 2012

Cranston Senior Center September 17, 11am 1070 Cranston Street, Cranston, RI 02920

Pilgrim Senior Center, Warwick Thursday, September 20, 1pm 27 Pilgrim Parkway, Warwick, RI 02888

Lincoln Senior Center Friday, September 21, 11am 150 Jenks Hill Road, Lincoln, RI

Leon Mathieu Senior Center Wednesday, October 3, 10:45am 420 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860

Senior Services Inc., Woonsocket Wednesday, October 10, 1pm 84 Social Street, Woonsocket, RI 02895

West Warwick Senior Center Thursday, October 18, 11am 145 Washington Street, West Warwick, RI 02893

Sal Mancini Center, North Providence Wednesday, October 24, 10:30am 2 Atlantic Blvd, North Providence, RI 02911

The Center, South Kingstown Thursday, October 25, 11am 25 St. Dominic Road, Wakefield, RI 02879

Middletown Senior Center Friday, October 26 at 12pm 650 Green End Avenue, Middletown, RI 02842

East Providence Senior Center Tuesday, October 30, 11:30am 610 Waterman Avenue, East Providence RI 02914

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