The Medicare Part D Appeals Unit of Legal Services for the Elderly (LSE) provides free legal help for limited-income Mainers who are elderly or disabled and are having trouble getting their medications covered by their Medicare Part D Plans. The Unit will also help those who are being charged too much for their medications under Medicare Part D.

The Medicare Part D Appeals Unit works as a telephone hotline, so clients do not need to travel to obtain this help. Based in Augusta, the Unit includes four Appeals Specialists, supervised by staff attorney Maureen Dea.

People needing help, their health care providers or other advocates can call the Unit toll-free at 1-877-774-7772. Calls are taken 9 a.m. until Noon and 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Healthcare providers and other advocates can also call the Unit for general information about Medicare Part D and for fax/phone numbers, Coverage Determination forms and Formulary information for the major Medicare Part D Drug Plans in Maine. Information is also available at the LSE website: http://www.mainelse.org/

Legal Services for the Elderly has provided free, high-quality legal services to Maine> '> s socially and economically needy seniors since its establishment in 1974. The Medicare Part D Appeals Unit was started in early 2006 to help elderly and disabled individuals with Medicare and either Maine Care or the Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled program. (DEL).