Roosevelt School District hires chief administrator

Board of Education hires William Presutti as chief school administrator

By: Kip Berman
   EAST WINDSOR — Government officials have said the new prescription drug plan offered under Medicare and Medicaid will save beneficiaries more than $1,000 a year in drug costs. But for the potential beneficiaries, getting through the paperwork might be enough trouble to deter them from utilizing the new plan.
   Seniors have until May 15 to choose from hundreds of plan options. In New Jersey, Medicare and Medicaid recipients can choose from more than 80 plans. But, officials warn, local pharmacies may not accept all available plans. Costs will vary depending on one’s financial situation and the drug plan he or she chooses.
   Only those who receive both Medicare, a program for people older than 65 and/or with disabilities, and Medicaid will be enrolled automatically if they do not choose a plan before Dec. 15. Their co-pay will be $1 for all generic drugs and $3 for all brand-name prescriptions.
   Some of those seniors who do not have to join Medicare say the confusion of the plan gives them no reason to switch from their private insurers.
   "There might come a time when we have to switch," said Donald Provost, an East Windsor resident, as he ate lunch at the township Senior Center last week. "It sort of depends on which way the ball bounces."
   The new drug prescription plan begins Jan. 1. Seniors can join after May 15 but will have to pay additional costs.
   Mr. Provost’s wife, Shirley, said she received a letter from her insurance company telling her that she will not be penalized if she and her husband decide to change to a Medicare plan later.
   Senior citizens have several outlets to get more information about their options under Medicare. Counselors at the Senior Health Insurance Program at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital in Hamilton are available for one-on-one sessions regarding Medicare. The office can be reached by calling (609) 584-5900.
   East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov said the township also held an event at the Senior Center in September to address the issue.
   Residents with concerns about the new plan can use the following advice:
   * choose a plan that fits best with your income level and prescription drug needs;
   * realize that, even if you don’t use prescription drugs yet, the odds of needing them increase with age;
   * anyone who does not enroll in a Medicare plan before May 15 must wait until November to apply; and
   * all Medicare recipients can call 1-800-MEDICARE with any questions or concerns.