|
Grange
Recognized For Outreach Efforts to Seniors on Medicare Prescription Drug | L
to R, Dr. Mark McClellan, Reverend Cessar Scott, Anita de Palma and Leroy Watson
|
On
May 13th, National Grange Legislative Director Leroy Watson was invited to participate
in a taped interview with Dr. Mark McClellan, the Administrator of Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Systems (CMS) to present the Grange's perspectives on successful
outreach and education efforts to seniors regarding the new Medicare Part D (prescription
drug) benefit. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, part of the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, is the federal agency that manages all
Medicare and Medicaid programs. The Grange was invited to share its experiences
with Dr. McClellan as a result of the National Grange's highly successful outreach
and education efforts to rural seniors concerning the interim Medicare prescription
drug benefit card program. Other participants discussing successful outreach programs
with Dr. McCllean were Reverend Cessar Scott, Executive Minister of the Baptist
General Convention of Virginia and Ms. Anita de Palma, the Director of Florida's
League of United Latin American Citizens. Highlights
of the panel discussion were used in an informational Internet broadcast that
was shown on May 19th, 2005. The web-cast production targeted non-profit, community
based groups that have direct contact with seniors through out the nation. Its'
purpose was to explain innovative techniques in order to better educate seniors
on their new rights, obligations and benefits under the Medicare Part D program.
Medicare Part D takes affect on January 1st, 2006, and will provide direct government
assistance to help senior citizens buy prescription drugs at affordable prices.
Much of the discussion with Administrator McClellan focused on how organizations,
like the Grange, were successful in circulating valuable information to seniors
in the past. Each of the participants brought a unique perspective on the best
methods of reaching out to the elderly groups in their communities. Mr. Scott
talked about "informational Sunday's" where brochures were passed out and the
Pastors in each church spoke of important issues concerning their members. Ms.
de Palma stressed presenting information to all members of the family, and the
importance of grassroots. Leroy
Watson, Legislative Director of the National Grange, spoke about the Grange's
effectiveness in reaching out to seniors in rural areas. Mr. Watson spoke about
the high percentage of our nation's seniors who already live in our rural communities
and the importance of community based organizations in reaching these individuals
with information. Dr. McClellan inquired about the Grange's approach to some of
the communications issues facing organizations reaching out to the elderly, such
as providing information that is easy to understand and informative. Mr. Watson
cited the Grange's extensive volunteer program, its nationwide network of chapters
in rural communities as well as the creation of interactive teaching methods that
engage seniors, such as games and comic strips, as innovative examples of strategies
for overcoming these difficulties. Although
the live version has already occurred, it is still possible to view the Internet
broadcast in many different forms. To watch the session over the Internet go to
http://www.publicconnect.com/medicareeducation/
and click on the View Archive link. It is also possible to obtain a free CD-ROM
or VHS tape of the program by calling (800) 276-0855. |
