Wednesday, March 29, 10:30 a.m., Orcas Library
— from Pegi Groundwater —
Are you turning get 65 this year? Welcome to Medicare! It is time to learn a new set of medical insurance terminology. There are Parts A,B, C and D. There are Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage plans and RX plans. There are initial enrollment periods, special enrollment periods and general enrollment periods. If you don’t enroll at the right time, you may wind up paying penalties. There are also programs to help people with low incomes and limited assets get medical care. If you have an HSA or will continue to be covered by employer insurance, there are special considerations to bear in mind.
Come to a presentation in the meeting room of the Orcas Library at 10:30 on March 29th to learn more about this strange new world. Volunteers from SHIBA, the State Health Insurance Benefit Advisers, will guide you through this new terminology and help you understand your options and when you need to take action. SHIBA volunteers are trained by the WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner to provide free, unbiased information about Medicare.
SHIBA volunteers also provide free confidential counseling sessions. Call 376-2561 to set up an appointment.
**If you are reading theOrcasonian for free, thank your fellow islanders. If you would like to support theOrcasonian CLICK HERE to set your modestly-priced, voluntary subscription. Otherwise, no worries; we’re happy to share with you.**
