Garrett Gazette

Statement

Garrett Gazette - November 19, 2007

Dear Friends:

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is currently seeking to locate 115,478 taxpayers nationwide whose refund checks have been returned as undeliverable because of old or bad addresses. The checks total about $110 million and average $953 each. That breaks down to 3,646 New Jersey taxpayers for a total of $3.42 million unclaimed in the Garden State.

The undeliverable refunds account for less than one out of one thousand refunds (less than one-tenth of one percent). So far, this year, the IRS has processed nearly 105 million refunds, totaling about $240 billion.

If you think that you might be one of the missing refund recipients, you can check with the IRS via their website (click on "Where's My Refund? on www.IRS.gov) or toll free number (1-800-829-1954). My office may also be able to help you determine if your name is on this list. Call my Paramus office at 201-712-0330 for more information.

Sincerely,

Congressman Scott Garrett

ISSUE OF THE WEEK: MEDICARE PART D OPEN ENROLLMENT

November 15th marked the beginning of open enrollment for the new Medicare prescription drug program, Medicare Part D. This is your opportunity to review your current coverage and determine if you'd like to change plans. Open Enrollment season runs through December 31st, but the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recommends that you enroll by December 7th if you expect to change your coverage to ensure that there is no break in your prescription services in the new year.

There are a number of resources available to help you navigate this process. The New Jersey SHIP network (State Health Insurance Program) at the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services can be found online at http://www.state.nj.us/health/senior/ship.shtml. They can be reached at 1-800-792-8820 (toll free for in-state calls only) or at 1-877-222-3737. You can also go online to www.Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for assistance. CMS has added a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder and Formulary Finder to help you narrow down the wide array of choices to fit your personal needs. CMS also has several publications to help you make the most of your benefits and assess your plan for cost, coverage, and customer service:

Rx Enrollment Check-Up (www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11220.pdf)

Guide to Rx Drug Coverage (www.medicare.gov/publications/pubs/pdf/11109.pdf)

Medicare & You 2008 (http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/10050.pdf)

This is the only opportunity you will have to change your plan until November 15, 2008. Of course, you can always contact me and my staff for assistance as well. We will help put you in touch with the right people or materials so you can make an informed decision. My Paramus office can be reached at 201-712-0330 and my Newton office can be reached at 973-300-2000.

CONGRESSMAN SCOTT GARRETT'S OFFICE COMING TO A TOWN NEAR YOU:

Congressman Garrett's staff will be holding Mobile Constituent Service Hours in a number of Fifth District towns this week. The Congressman's Constituent Service Officers are trained to act as your liaisons with Federal agencies. But, it's not always easy to make it out to one of the Congressman's district offices - in Paramus and Newton - to meet with one of them, especially when you are dealing with government red tape. These Mobile Constituent Service Hours sessions bring the Congressman's office to you. So, if you are having trouble with a Federal program, such as Medicare, veterans benefits, Social Security, or more, please feel free to come by. And, please bring copies of any relevant paperwork with you to facilitate their work.

Please note that in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, Mobile Constituent Service Hours sessions scheduled for Wednesday, November 21st and Thursday, November 22nd will be cancelled. The schedule will resume the week of November 26th. Please feel free to contact my offices if you have any questions or need to meet with my staff in the meantime.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Tuesday, November 20th

Blairstown

10:00 am to noon
Municipal Building, 106 Route 94

Tuesday, November 20th

Hillsdale

10:00 am to noon
Borough Hall, 380 Hillsdale Avenue

Tuesday, November 20th

Westwood

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Borough Hall, 101 Washington Avenue

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