Thursday, Jan. 5, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt Announces $600,000 Grant
Funds Will Assist Seniors with Part D Choices
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt today announced the Department of Insurance has received $600,000 from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to help educate Missouri seniors on Medicare issues.
"This grant will enhance our state’s resources to help the Department of Insurance provide valuable information to Missouri’s seniors," Blunt said. "I encourage all Medicare recipients to take advantage of educational opportunities to learn more about the options available to them."
With the implementation of the new Medicare prescription drug plan, Medicare Part D, seniors may be looking for answers to help determine which plan is right for their needs. This grant will be used to fund the Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri (CLAIM) program. CLAIM is a non-profit program that provides education and assistance with Medicare questions and enrollment options.
This annual grant was doubled this year due to the extensive changes related to Medicare Part D. CLAIM uses the funds to cover expenses for certified volunteer counselors to travel Missouri and conduct seminars. Since the CLAIM program started about a decade ago, it has provided assistance to more than 100,000 Missourians. This amounts to an estimated $8 million in out-of-pocket savings for those citizens.
The state has also contributed $200,000 towards the CLAIM program this fiscal year.
For more information on the CLAIM program, call their toll-free helpline at (800) 390-3330, or visit their website at www.missouriclaim.org.
For more information about the Department of Insurance contact Matt Barton at (573) 751-2562.
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