________________________________

From: IHS Pharmacists on behalf of Pittman, Robert E.
Sent: Wed 6/22/2005 8:40 AM
To: IHS Pharmacists
Subject: Revision to Encore Date for the Indian Health and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage June 27, 2005: 2:00-4:00 PM (Eastern Time) Open Door Forum



Special Open Door Forum: 
Indian Health and Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage 

 June 27, 2005: 2:00 - 4:00 PM (Eastern Time)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be hosting a Special Open Door Forum (ODF) on June 27, 2005 to review the Medicare Prescription Drug benefit as it relates to the Indian Health Service (IHS), Tribal health programs and Urban Indian programs (ITUs).  

CMS is committed to working closely through ITU facilities in reaching American Indian and Alaska Native Medicare Beneficiaries who may qualify for the new prescription drug coverage.  This ODF is a follow up to a series of training sessions held in Indian Country to raise awareness of the new Prescription Drug Benefit, which will be effective January 1, 2006.  

The forum will provide an opportunity for interested individuals to participate in a discussion about some of the details of the benefit that are most important to their beneficiaries.  CMS will be joined by senior advisors from the Indian Health Service and the Social Security Administration in discussing the timeline and status of implementing this new benefit, the Low Income Subsidy for those who may qualify, and other issues particular to the American Indian and Alaska Native communities. 

The majority of the time during the forum will be devoted to an open session of listening to and considering questions or concerns that may have surfaced since the Awareness Training sessions.  We look forward to your participation.

Open Door Participation Instructions: 
There are 2 ways to participate, by phone or "in-person". 

1. To participate by phone: 
Dial: 1-800-837-1935 & Reference Conference ID: 6586603 

Persons participating by phone do not need to RSVP. 
Note: TTY Communications Relay Services are available for the Hearing Impaired. For TTY services dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-855-2880 and for Internet Relay services click here http://www.consumer.att.com/relay/which/index.html. 

A Relay Communications Assistant will help. 

2. To participate in-person: 
If you intend to participate in person, RSVP is required: 
Please send a reply to this email by close of business Thursday, June 23, 2005 to [log in to unmask] 
Please include the words "AI/AN Forum" in the subject line of your message, and send us the following information: 

        a) Your full name 
        b) Your organization or representation 
        c) Your contact information (phone and email) 
        d) Special needs information 

Location information: 
ADDRESS: 

CMS Single Site Building 
Auditorium 
7500 Security Boulevard   
Baltimore, MD  21244 

Map & Directions: http://cmsnet.cms.hhs.gov/hpages/ocsq/cmsdirections-north.htm <http://cmsnet.cms.hhs.gov/hpages/ocsq/cmsdirections-north.htm>  

ENCORE:  1-800-642-1687 
"Encore" is a recording of this call that can be accessed by dialing 1-800-642-1687 and entering the Conf. ID # 6586603 
The recording will be available beginning 2 hours after the conference has ended and expire after 4 business days. 

For automatic emails of Open Door Forum schedule updates (Listserv registration) and to view Frequently Asked Questions please visit our website at: www.cms.hhs.gov/opendoor <file:///\\www.cms.hhs.gov\opendoor> .