That Time of Year Again: Medicare Open Enrollment

Thursday, October 9, 2 – 3:30, Orcas Library

 MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT FROM OCTOBER 15 TO DECEMBER 7

— from Pegi Groundwater, SHIBA Volunteer —

Each year Medicare gives persons receiving Medicare health insurance benefits a seven-week window to review their health care coverage and prescription drug plans to see if they are still meeting their needs or to enroll in plans if they have not yet done so. Medicare knows that circumstances change, health needs change, and the medications that people take change, so once a year people on Medicare have an opportunity to see if their health insurance programs are still fitting their needs and their pocket book.

But how do you know if you should make any changes? What if you need help understanding your options? Come to the Orcas Public Library Thursday, October 9 from 2 to 3:30 to hear a SHIBA volunteer give a free presentation explaining the changes in Medicare for 2015. You will learn why you may need to make some health care changes, how to get help understanding your options, and whether you may be eligible for help in paying your health care costs.

SHIBA is an educational program of the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner and trained SHIBA volunteers provide free, unbiased, and confidential information about Medicare. The SHIBA volunteers on Orcas are sponsored by Island Hospital and are available for individual consultations on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Orcas Medical Center. Call 376-2561 to schedule an appointment.