New or Confused About Medicare?

Wednesday, August 9, 2 p.m., Orcas Library

— from Pegi Groundwater —

If you are turning 65 soon or if you have been on Social Security Disability for two years, you are now eligible for Medicare. You will need to be prepared for a whole new medical insurance experience. Come to the Community Room (the conference room in the original part of the library) at the Orcas Public Library on Wednesday, August 9 at 2 p.m. to learn how Medicare works, what your coverage options are in San Juan County, and when you must act to avoid penalties. The information will be provided by trained SHIBA volunteers who operate under the auspices of the Washington Insurance Commissioner to provide free, unbiased counseling assistance on Orcas Island.

[perfectpullquote align=”right” cite=”” link=”” color=”#778899″ class=”” size=””]You will need to be prepared for a whole new medical insurance experience.[/perfectpullquote]

There are lots of new provisions and options for you to understand. 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 (Party C) or a Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap), which is private insurance that works with Party A & B. Most people also buy Drug Insurance (Part D). There are deadlines to meet and penalties (some lasting a lifetime) for not doing things at the right time. There are resources available to help people with very low income and limited assets help pay their premiums, copays and deductibles.

SHIBA volunteers on Orcas Island also provide free, unbiased, confidential, personal counseling assistance in their office at the Orcas Medical Center. You can arrange an appointment to meet with one of them by calling 360-376-2561. Island Hospital has sponsored the SHIBA volunteers in San Juan County for the past 25 years.