By Jon Gambrell
Enquirer contributor

Congressman Michael Turner discusses the new Medicare prescription drug benefit at a presentation to seniors Thursday morning at the Otterbein Retirement Living Community. Photos by GLENN HARTONG/The Cincinnati Enquirer

LEBANON - U.S. Rep. Michael R. Turner visited senior citizens Thursday and answered their questions about new prescription drug benefits and other Medicare changes.

The Republican, whose 3rd District includes northern Warren County, spoke before a group of more than 140 senior citizens at Lebanon's Otterbein Retirement Community, part of a drive by legislators to help residents understand the legislation.

Turner, a former mayor of Dayton, said that while seniors would have to opt into the Medicare programs, they could keep their old coverage if they preferred it.

"We had a real need of addressing prescription drug costs," he said. "Since the prescription drug benefit is voluntary, the first question is: Should I choose the benefit?"

Accompanied by pharmaceutical and Medicare representatives, Turner's program let seniors ask questions about a variety of issues, including a prescription drug card for seniors. The card would let seniors receive reduced prices on their medication and would be worth $600 toward a prescription purchase for low-income seniors, Turner said.

Turner's visit to Otterbein and a senior center in Dayton comes on the heels of a Medicare meeting in Mason last week by U.S. Rep. Rob Portman, the Republican who represents Ohio's 2nd District.

The prescription drug card program begins Tuesday, and seniors can register online at www.medicare.gov or by calling (800) MEDICARE. There can be as much as a $30 annual fee for a card, though many seniors may qualify for reduced rates.

Turner called the current prescription drug card a stopgap until other legislative changes take effect in 2006.

"This is so confusing, we're hoping to get that cleared out of our heads," said 79-year-old Otterbein resident Mary McCollum, looking over handouts with a friend. "This is a very good benefit, but confusing."

But for 65-year-old Connie Gilbert of Oregonia, the benefits wouldn't matter anyway because her monthly income was just enough to disqualify her from governmental assistance.

"I don't have enough money to buy my drugs, but I have too much money to get my drugs," she said.

E-mail jgambrell@fuse.net