Region briefs 9/29/06

Visions of Pride makes plans for special event

In an effort to build community spirit, Visions of Pride is sponsoring a "Grand Freedom Gathering" this Sunday. The event lasts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Cape Girardeau County Park North. Performers, artists, musicians and vendors will be at the free event. There will also be activities for children. Denise Eakers, organizer of the event, said the Grand Freedom Gathering is open to the entire community. "It's not a gay event, it's an everybody event. It's to bring unity and community to the area," she said. For more information, contact Eakers at 651-6220 or (800) 411-0660.

Prescription plan for seniors gearing up

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri offers a program to help seniors with the gap in coverage under the Medicare prescription drug benefit. But some advocates complain that thousands of seniors have endured months of expenses without receiving that help and other seniors don't know it exists. George Oestreich, Division of Medical Services deputy director, said the new program, called Missouri Rx, in January automatically brought in more than 158,000 people already signed up under the old state program or eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. Oestreich said, the department plans to allow anyone meeting the criteria to enroll starting Nov. 1 for coverage to begin in January. To qualify, people must be eligible for Medicare, have signed up for the Medicare prescription drug plan and have income of no more than 200 percent of the federal poverty level, which amounts to $19,600 for an individual.