The National Council on the Aging (NCOA) and the Access to Benefits Coalition (ABC) have recently launched My Medicare Matters nationwide in an effort to provide much needed impartial educational support for seniors at local events and community centers via computer equipped vans and expertly trained educators. The program is supported by The Minnesota Senior Federation, the primary grassroots organization of seniors in Minnesota. With more than 20,000 members and 100 affiliated organizations, the Federation is dedicated to helping seniors develop leadership skills and work toward positive social change locally, statewide and throughout the nation.

The My Medicare Matters team of educators will meet with individuals, family members and/or caregivers for 10 minutes ... 45 minutes ... or more until each senior's questions and concerns have been addressed.

At the events, seniors can sit down with benefits educators who will provide private, personalized guidance as they learn about the new coverage and their options. The educators will use the latest technology via Web-enabled computers, and use Internet-based tools during counseling sessions to help seniors compare plans and make the enrollment decision that is right for their health and their financial situation.

If and when seniors are ready to join a plan, the My Medicare Matters (TM) educators will also assist them in completing the online enrollment process or advise them about other methods for joining a plan.

My Medicare Matters sessions will be held according to the following schedule. Sessions at each location are always held from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.:

-- Thursday, Feb. 2, 2006, Cub Foods, 7555 W. Broadway Ave., Brooklyn Park;

-- Friday, Feb. 3, 2006, Cub Foods, 250 33rd Ave. So., St. Cloud;

-- Wednesday, Mar. 1, 2006, Cub Foods, 2859 26th Ave. So., Minneapolis;

-- Friday, Mar. 3, Cub Foods, 2001 So. Robert St., West St. Paul;

-- Tuesday, Mar. 14, Cub Foods, 15350 Cedar Ave.; Apple Valley;

-- Monday, Mar. 27, Cub Foods, 2197 Old Hudson Rd., St. Paul;

-- Thursday, Mar. 30, Cub Foods, 1440 University Ave., St. Paul;

-- Wednesday, Apr. 5, Cub Foods, 8690 E. Point Douglas Rd., Cottage Grove;

-- Wednesday, April 12, Cub Foods, 701 W. Broadway Ave., Minneapolis;

-- Friday, Apr. 21, Cub Foods, 5397 Nicollet Ave., Minneapolis;

-- Tuesday, Apr. 25, Cub Foods, 7435 179th St., Lakeville;

-- Tuesday, May 2, Cub Foods, 1729 Market Blvd., Hastings;

-- Wednesday, May 10, Cub Foods, 4801 Hwy. 101, Minnetonka;

-- Monday, May 15, Cub Foods, 1059 Meadowlands Dr., White Bear Lake.

The Web site, www.MyMedicareMatters.org, is available for use by Medicare participants, and their families, friends, caregivers, professionals and organizations. The Web site provides educational materials, and Internet tools that can be used to learn about Medicare Part D, and links them to CMS' Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder. People who visit www.MyMedicareMatters.org will also be able to enroll online or request extra help from the Social Security Administration.

Nationally, My Medicare Matters has deployed a fleet of 37 mobile education vans that are bringing trained staff and technology to 27 states and the District of Columbia to offer help in 44 metro areas and nearly 300 counties across the country. My Medicare Matters intends to hold informational events in the Twin Cities throughout the Medicare Part D enrollment period which ends on May 15, 2006.

My Medicare Matters is being supported by AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, fulfilling the company's mission to improve patient health for seniors across the country. "We believe the Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit can make a tremendous contribution to the quality of life for millions of Americans and we commend the NCOA and the ABC for offering this crucial educational program for seniors," said Tony Zook, President and CEO designate.

Additional My Medicare Matters sessions are being scheduled at Cub Pharmacies. Consumers interested in attending should call their local Cub Pharmacy for a schedule of events. Consumers also may contact the Senior Linkage Line at 1-800-333-2433.