Help offered to pick Medicare Part D

Thu., Oct. 26, 2006

The Spokesman-Review

Spokane residents looking to enroll or change plans in Medicare Part D, the federal prescription drug program, can get help this week analyzing their options.

The Medicare Rx Access Network of Washington will hold two public sessions in Spokane on Friday. They’re aimed at helping local residents prepare for the next Medicare Part D open enrollment period, which begins Nov. 15.

Friday’s first session, held at the Southside Senior Activity Center, will include individual help, as well as assistance using the Medicare online plan finder. It’s set from 8:15 to 11 a.m. at the center, 3151 E. 27th Ave., Spokane.

A second session will include a presentation about Medicare Part D, time for questions and more help using the plan finder. It’s scheduled from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Mother Gamelin Building, in the Notre Dame Room, 20 W. 9th Ave., Spokane.

The Medicare Rx Access Network of Washington is one of 50 state-based programs of the national Medicare Rx Education Network.

– JoNel Aleccia

Spokane Falls Blvd. to close for weekend

Spokane Falls Boulevard is scheduled to be closed this weekend near the Riverpoint campus.

The closure east of Pine Street will be in effect Saturday and Sunday while crews work on sewer and water connections for Washington State University’s new Intercollegiate College of Nursing building.

Traffic will be detoured around the construction site through the weekend, and early next week one travel lane will be opened in each direction until the project is completed mid-week.

– Staff reports

Election forums are scheduled

Here are some places where candidates will be appearing or ballot issues will be discussed:

Today

7 p.m.: Candidates for the 6th District state Senate and House seats, sponsored by the Manito-Cannon Neighborhood Council, at Wilson Elementary School, 25th and Lincoln.

7 p.m. : Interfaith Council and Catholic Charities sponsored workshop on the “faith perspective” of statewide ballot measures, Holy Family Church, 917 Chestnut, Clarkston.

Friday

7:15 a.m.: Breakfast debate featuring state Sen. Brad Benson and Democratic challenger Chris Marr, sponsored by the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce, $20 for breakfast, Davenport Hotel.

Noon: Sportsmen’s rally for Republican Senate candidate Mike McGavick and Rep. Cathy McMorris, Sharp Shooting Indoor Range, 1200 N. Freya.

9 p.m.: Televised debate between incumbent County Commissioner Phil Harris and Democratic challenger Bonnie Mager, KSPS-TV Channel 7.

– Jim Camden

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