HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. (March 20, 2006) – Senior citizens concerned about the new prescription drug benefit can tune in and call-in to KOCE-TV from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, April 10. Many of the 4.1 million eligible Californians have questions about coverage and how to select the right plan from dozens available. Trained counselors of the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) will be standing by to take calls and answer questions during the important two-hour segment; Members of the community may call 714-895-5050 any time between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m.

The two-hour segment begins with a special half-hour episode of “Real Orange,” featuring panelist experts, Julie Schoen and Cheryl Meronk, of the HICAP and Frank VanNostrand of the Social Security Administration, who will be able to discuss the changes to Medicare, followed by back-to-back viewings of “Medicare Forum: Making Sense of Part D.” The half-hour television program will address essential and commonly asked questions about this new and complex drug benefit. The program is made possible by a grant from the California HealthCare Foundation (CHCF), an independent philanthropy committed to improving the delivery and financing of health care in California.

“The confusing Medicare process that our senior citizens face today presents an ideal time for KOCE to offer an opportunity to get the answers they need from caring professionals armed with the proper knowledge,” said Mel Rogers, president and general manager of KOCE-TV. “KOCE-TV’s goal is to continue offering such programming that addresses the most important issues facing our community, and to continue offering solutions.”

About KOCE-TV
KOCE-TV, one of the most watched PBS stations in America, has an estimated 4.5 million viewers* each month, and offers a mix of both local and national programs. In addition, KOCE Classroom serves more than half-a-million K-14 students. The winner of hundreds of awards including Emmys and Community Service Awards, KOCE continues to be a leading resource for education, culture and local issues in Southern California. For more information, please visit www.koce.org.

* This figure was calculated by KOCE's program consultant and is based upon information obtained via PubTV Online.