On Jan. 1, the first “Baby Boomers” (individuals born between 1946 and 1964) became eligible to receive Medicare benefits for the first time. “Boomers” will need to know what impact Medicare has on their existing health care plans and options if they continue to work.

“Baby Boomers” who are enrolling in a Medicare Part D plan for the first time this year can find some help from Senior Services.

Informational presentations will be made throughout Western Tidewater in March 2011 to assist newly eligible beneficiaries navigate Medicare and Medicare Part D.

Sessions will be held in Suffolk March 14 and 28 at 1 p.m. at the Suffolk Workforce Development Center, 157 N. Main St. The sessions are free and open to the public.

Also, assistance will be available for those who are currently enrolled and may be eligible for the Part D “Extra Help” benefit.

The MedCare Access and Senior Outreach to Services programs, administered by Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, serve residents of Suffolk, Franklin, Isle of Wight County and Southampton County.

MedCare Access Specialist Brenda Lawrence will answer questions about Medicare, Medicare Part D and the “Extra Help” benefit during the March presentations. She can be reached at 328-4217.

Additionally, at the March presentations, a Senior Services care coordinator will be available to provide information about an array of services, such as meal delivery to those who are homebound, transportation and wellness programs.

Additional presentations will be held in Windsor, Courtland, Franklin, Carrollton, Smithfield and Zuni.

The MedCare Access program is funded with a grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation. It is administered by Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia.