CLAIM offers valuable information

To the editor:Understanding Medicare options and changes can be a difficult task, but every day Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri provides information to help seniors make choices that fit their needs. CLAIM provides free, confidential and unbiased health-insurance information on many different health-care topics including Medicare, Medicare prescription drug and supplement plans, long-term care planning and suspected fraud or abuse.

Over 200 volunteers speak with consumers and provide information, education and assistance. Volunteers provide the information over the phone or schedule an appointment to visit with Missourians face-to-face. The majority of CLAIM's funds come from federal grant money administered through the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration. The service is provided by Primaris, a Columbia-based not-for-profit organization.

Since its founding in 1993, CLAIM has served over 140,000 people and saved Missouri consumers over $9 million. To utilize CLAIM's services, call 1-800-390-3330 or visit www.missouriclaim.org.

DOUG OMMEN, Director, Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions and Professional Registration, Jefferson City, Mo.