LEWISTON – In a recent report issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Agency on Aging, SeniorsPlus was highlighted as the “Organization of the Week” for “its innovative efforts to educate, assist and enroll Medicare beneficiaries in the Medicare-approved drug discount card and transitional assistance programs.”

As a subcontractor for the initiative, SeniorsPlus produced a talk show infomercial that explains the benefits of enrolling in the program, as well as the specifics of obtaining the additional $600 credit and how easy it is to enroll.

Susan Goulet, project manager at SeniorsPlus, said, “The infomercial really worked. We were able to reach people who were homebound and not able to see us out in their community. The infomercial aired on 10 cable networks covering three counties. People who saw it called and asked questions about applying.”

According to the report, “SeniorsPlus has consistently leveraged strategic media outreach in their efforts to enroll beneficiaries in the Medicare-approved drug card and transitional assistance programs.”

In addition to airing the infomercial, SeniorsPlus maximized the effect by making 80 additional tapes and distributing them to libraries, nursing centers and other locations where seniors frequent.

The broader strategy included enrollment sessions at local community sites and presentations to eligible beneficiaries using the infomercial as a stepping-stone toward further education and assistance in enrolling.

SeniorsPlus, the local area agency on aging, serves Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. For more information about any of the SeniorsPlus services, call 795-4010 or toll free 800-427-1241.