ALLEGHENY COUNTY HOLDS LEGISLATIVE BRIEFING ON BENEFICIARIES ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE, MEDICAL ASSISTANCE - US Fed News Service, Including US State News

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services issued the following press release:

The Allegheny County Department of Human Services (DHS) held an informational briefing today for state legislative offices to help them understand and assist constituents who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medical Assistance. The briefing was held in the downtown Human Services Building at One Smithfield Street. Since many of DHS consumers are in this 'dual eligible' category, and knowing that many will look to the district offices of their state legislators to answer questions about their Medical Assistance, DHS decided to help educate the legislators and their staff about the changes in the delivery of health benefits.

Attendees took with them a packet of information that they can use as a referral when talking to constituents, including the following list of resources for more information:

* Pharmacies

* the Medicare HMOs

* the prescription drug plans

* PA Health Law Project helpline 1-800-274-3258 or www.phlp.org

* http://www.thedesk.info/PartD/index.htm by the Disability Policy Collaboration

* APPRISE 412-734-9330 or 1-800-783-7067

* Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213 or www.socialsecurity.gov

* Medicare 1-800-633-4227 or www.medicare.gov

The County DHS Web site www.county.allegheny.pa.us/dhs also has a Medicare section with more information. Contact: Marge Lubawy, 412/350-2777; Karen Blumen, 412/350-5707.

Marge Lubawy, 412/350-2777; Karen Blumen, 412/350-5707.