Let’s get together and learn about Medicare benefits

||| FROM PEGI GROUNDWATER for SHIBA |||

Are you eligible for Medicare this year? If so, there’s a lot for you to learn. Medicare has its own vocabulary and lots of rules. There are deadlines you must meet and penalties (some lasting a lifetime) for not doing things at the right time.

SHIBA volunteers are here to make the transition easier for you. Join us on Thursday, March 18 at 1 p.m. for a online presentation on Medicare basics. To register send an email to pegigshiba@yahoo.com or call 360-317-8663. We will need the following information to register you:

• Your first and last name
• Your email address
• Your phone number

Come join us to learn how Medicare works, what your coverage options are, and when you must act to avoid penalties.

This is a free presentation made by trained volunteers from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program overseen by the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner to provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling assistance on Orcas Island.

There are many new terms for you to understand and several options to choose among. Medicare has four different parts: A, B, C, and D. You can stay with Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or buy a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap), which is private insurance that works with Parts A & B. Most people also buy Drug Insurance (Part D).

Resources are available to help people with very low income and limited assets pay their Medicare premiums, copays and deductibles.

Call the local SHIBA office at 360-376-5892 to schedule your free personal, confidential, unbiased counseling session. All counseling sessions are currently being done by phone or zoom. Island Hospital has been the local sponsor of the SHIBA volunteers in San Juan County for over 25 years.