Medicare Deadline Nears

Washington senior citizens should find out by Thursday whether they need a Medicare Supplement policy to replace any of the managed care plans canceled last year.

Although the terminations, which affected 31,000 state residents, became effective Jan. 1, federal law allows holders to fall back on the provisions of the plans until March 3.

Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn said many policy holders did not realize their plans had expired until they went to their doctors.

She said seniors will have a better selection of Medicare Supplements, particularly those that cover prescriptions, if they contact the state Health Insurance Benefits Advisors by Thursday. The number is 1-800-397-4422.