CENTER FOR MEDICARE ADVOCACY CELEBRATES 15thANNIVERSARY

Since 1986 the Center for Medicare Advocacy has been representing Medicare beneficiaries and providing education for beneficiaries and their network. Between 1986 and January 2000, the Center=s staff has responded to 70,000 calls on our toll free line, recovered over $170 million as a result of Medicare appeals, and successfully completed class action litigation which resulted in better due process and Medicare coverage for beneficiaries throughout the country. The Center also helped design and implement the Connecticut CHOICES health insurance and assistance program. In addition, we maintain a web site which allows the organization to assist thousands throughout the country where Medicare advocacy is essentially non-existent.  In 2000 the Center opened an office in Washington, DC which allows us to participate more fully in the many debates and decisions about Medicare and Medicare=s future.

On March 1, 2001 the Center celebrated its 15^th anniversary with over 100 friends in attendance. In addition to honoring Connecticut State Senator Edith Prague and former Executive Director of the Connecticut Commission on Aging, Cynthia Matthews, the Event raised $2500 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in lieu of an honorarium for our guest speaker, sports commentator and writer, Frank Deford. Thank you to all those who supported the Event and to all those who have helped the Center grow and advocate for elders and people with disabilities.

CENTER FOR MEDICARE ADVOCACY, INC. HELPS RAISE FUNDS TO CURE MS

“Gary’s Gang”, sponsored by the Center for Medicare Advocacy

On May 1, 2005, over 7,000 dedicated volunteers stepped out to help fight multiple sclerosis and rainy weather couldn’t dampen the spirits of the Connecticut walkers.  The MS Society, founded in 1946, is a non-profit, voluntary health organization guided by a single mission: to end the devastating effects of multiple sclerosis.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy teamed up again this year with “Gary’s Gang”, a team named in honor of Gary Gottesman (pictured above – third row, left end), who lives a remarkable life with MS.

The Center, and Gary’s Gang thank all of our corporate sponsors, volunteers, and walkers.  We had tremendous success in our fund raising efforts this year.  Through corporate and personal donations, the team raised $3,019.  We had 27 registered Gary’s Gang Team members that joined walkers from across Connecticut to raise over $1,071,000 to fight MS.  These funds will provide vital programs and services to over 42,000 individuals affected by multiple sclerosis in Connecticut.

Thank you again to all who participated in this effort.