Saturday, May 6, 10:30 a.m., Orcas Library
— from Pegi Groundwater —
There are lots of confusing new provisions and options for you to understand. Medicare has Parts A, B, C, and D. You can stay with Original Medicare or buy a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap). Most people will have to buy Drug Insurance. There are deadlines to meet and penalties (some lasting a lifetime) for not doing things at the right time. Coverage can be expensive and there are resources available to help people with very low income and limited assets.
Come to the Community Room at the Orcas Public Library on Saturday, May 6 at 10:30 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.
SHIBA volunteers on Orcas Island also provide free, 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 376-2561. Island Hospital has sponsored the SHIBA volunteers in San Juan County for the past 25 years.
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