Cleveland, January 23, 2006 – Medicare Matters! The City of Cleveland’s Department of Aging will offer information and answer questions regarding the new Medicare prescription drug benefit on Tuesday, January 31 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the Cleveland City Hall Rotunda, 601 Lakeside Avenue in Cleveland. This event is sponsored by Greater Cleveland Access to Benefits Coalition (GCABC) and the National Council on the Aging. To register, or for more information about this special service, interested parties can call 216/664-2833.

Attendees can learn about the new coverage and find out how to help reduce the cost of medications. They can also bring the following documentation and register for the Low-Income Subsidy and/or enroll in a prescription drug insurance plan:

Low-Income Subsidy

• Bank or credit union statements with current balances
• Investment statements
• Tax returns
• Stock certificates
• Life insurance policies and related statements
• Payroll stubs

Prescription Drug Insurance Plan

• A current list of prescriptions, including dosage strengths and instructions
• Your Medicare card
• A list of preferred pharmacies
• Any correspondence received from former employers, government agencies or a Medigap insurance provider about the new Medicare drug benefit (Medicare Part D)

My Medicare Matters is a new, comprehensive, community-based education program to help people with Medicare and their families understand the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, assess their personal situation, understand their choices, compare plan options and make the enrollment decision that is right for their health and their financial situation. It is sponsored by the National Council on the Aging and the Access to Benefits Coalition, with support from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, LP.