By By Adrienne McKenzie
Atmore area residents who are unsure whether they qualify for Medicare Prescription Drug coverage or are doubtful about what drugs their Medicare plan covers will soon have one-on-one service to help answer their questions.
The Area Agency on Aging will set up shop beginning Jan. 30 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the SouthWest Alabama Mental Health Center located at 309 E. Ridgeley St. in Atmore. The health insurance program will be on site each Wednesday.
"We're doing this to allow people to enroll in the drug plan and to see if they are eligible for extra help getting their medicines," said Area Agency on Agency regional coordinator Deloris White.
White said the state health insurance program decided to set up at Atmore's Mental Health Center because many times mentally ill will go without taking their medications. Some are not certain how to receive help with paying for their medicine.
"We set up at the mental health center because it seems like it's more comfortable here," White said.
However, White said anyone who is eligible for the prescription drug plan, whether they have a mental disability or not, can visit the center for help.
Those who need assistance should bring a list of their prescription medications and they should also bring their Medicare card if they already have one.
A common misconception is that Medicare is only for elderly individuals, however, White said she has seen young men and women who qualify for the drug plan.
Those who receive social security benefits or have kidney failure may qualify. Also transplant recipients may qualify.
"This Medicare drug plan works definitely for lower income people who will qualify for extra help," White said.
Glen Moultrie will be the site manager every Wednesday.
"I hope I can provide some services needed around the area," Moultrie said.
For more information, call the Area Agency on Aging at 251-433-6541 or 1-800-243-5463.